Ecuador: Unionized activists to hold a march in Quito Dec. 8

Event

Activists affiliated with several organizations, including the Workers' Unitary Front (Frente Unitario de Trabajadores, FUT), plan to hold a march in Quito Dec 8. Demonstrators intend to rally outside the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security (Instituto Ecuatoriano del Seguro Social, IESS) starting at 16:00. The action is to demand the national government for higher salary increases and other benefits. Other protest locations in Quito and around the country are possible but have not been confirmed.

Thousands are likely to participate in the demonstration, which is likely to lead to heightened security, and transport and business disruptions in the area. Violence is possible, especially if protesters become unruly or refuse police orders to disperse.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Allow additional time to reach destinations if operating in Quito Dec. 8. Depart the area at the first sign of violence.