Colombia: Teachers plan to hold nationwide strike, protests June 12-17

Unionized teachers, affiliated with the Colombian Federation of Education Workers (Federacion Colombiana de Trabajadores de la Educacion, FECODE), plan to hold a nationwide strike and multiple protests throughout Colombia June 12-17, over a series of demands, including their opposition to an education bill currently being discussed in Congress.

FECODE leaders announced several actions to occur over the coming days, including:

• June 12: Marches in all departmental capitals.

• June 13: Meetings in all departments.

• June 14: Meetings in all municipalities.

• June 17: National march in Bogota.

Details of the protests have not been confirmed; however, it is likely that activists will march to the National Congress in Bogota, and other government buildings. In other cities, including Barranquilla, Medellin, Cali, and Cartagena, marches are also likely in downtown areas, including government and education offices, and central squares. Thousands are likely to participate in some of the demonstrations, especially in major cities, and in the national march on June 17. Disruptions associated with the protests are likely, including closed roads, heightened security, and some localized business disruptions. Clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.