Bolivia: Unionized health workers plan to strike in Santa Cruz Department Feb. 7-8

Unionized healthcare workers in Santa Cruz Department have announced a strike Feb. 7-8 to denounce a proposed mandatory retirement age. Activists have announced accompanying protests near medical centers 11:00-13:00.

The work stoppage will likely prompt significant healthcare service disruptions, including a reduction in available services and cancelations of routine appointments. Disruptions could persist for several days following the strike, as medical facilities deal with a backlog of patients. Essential emergency medical services will probably remain available. Demonstrations outside medical facilities could cause localized disruption, as well as accompanying heightened security.