Peru: Teachers' union to stage nationwide protests May 25

Event

Employees affiliated with the Unitary Union of Education Workers of Peru (Sindicato Unitario de Trabajadores de la Educacion del Peru, SUTEP), one of the largest labor unions in the country, announced they will hold nationwide protests May 25. The purpose of the demonstrations is to demand that Congress abandon a legislative effort to implement a system whereby students would receive vouchers to attend private schools.

In what is likely to be the largest of the protests, SUTEP members will hold a demonstration in front of the Congress building on Avenida Abancay in Lima. Though protest organizers did not immediately release details of their protest plans, activists are likely to gather at the Plaza Dos de Mayo before marching on Avenida Nicolas de Pierola, widely known as Colmena and Avenida Abancay.

Demonstrations are also possible in other cities, such as Arequipa and Cusco, where protesters will likely gather in major plazas. In Loreto Department, SUTEP members will stage a 24-hour work stoppage May 25; striking workers are likely to stage demonstrations in Loreto's larger cities, such as Iquitos.

The demonstrations and strike are likely to cause transport and business disruptions. Police are likely to deploy to monitor all protests, and clashes are possible, especially if police attempt to disperse demonstrators forcibly.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Do not attempt to drive through any roadblocks that materialize; wait for police to dismantle them instead. If violence occurs, immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a non-governmental building. Allow for additional transport time near demonstrations. Reconfirm business appointments. Heed the instructions of security personnel.