Uruguay: Private unionized healthcare workers to hold a nationwide strike Aug. 23

Event

Private healthcare workers affiliated with the Uruguayan Federation of Health (Federacion Uruguaya de Salud, FUS) plan to hold a nationwide strike on Aug. 23. The duration of the action will vary across the country; in Montevideo, participants will strike from 08:00-15:00. In the capital, protesters will gather at the Obelisk of Montevideo at 09:00 and march towards the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, where a demonstration will take place from 11:00. Associated protests are also likely in other cities. Participants will demand improved working conditions and higher salaries.

As healthcare workers are performing the labor action, it is likely to impact the private health sector. Security personnel will likely deploy to monitor any large gatherings, especially in the capital. Isolated skirmishes are possible if police attempt to disperse the demonstrators.

Advice

Confirm medical appointments at medical facilities in Uruguay Aug. 23. Prepare accordingly for the possibility of delays at healthcare facilities. Allow additional time for travel near possible demonstration sites, including public hospitals and government buildings. Avoid all protests as a standard security precaution. Use caution around government buildings and other popular demonstration sites.