Venezuela: Additional labor-related demonstrations likely nationwide through at least early February /update 1

Event

Protests by unionized workers, primarily employed in the education sector, will likely continue throughout Venezuela through at least early February. Participating workers are demanding higher salaries, among other concessions; retirees have also joined the ongoing action. Multiple protests took place in various locations throughout January, with organizers announcing plans for a new demonstration at Plaza Brion in Caracas' Chacaito suburb starting at 09:00 Feb. 1. Additional rallies are likely over the coming days, especially in Maracaibo, Barquisimeto, Valencia, and Maturin.

Hundreds of people will likely participate in any demonstrations that materialize outside government buildings, along major roads, or at prominent public squares. Police will almost certainly deploy to monitor all such events. Confrontations between protesters and the police may occur if demonstrators are overly disruptive or ignore police orders to disperse. Ground travel delays are possible near all gathering sites.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Plan accordingly for localized ground delays. Heed the instructions of local authorities.