02 Jul 2024 | 05:14 PM UTC
Puerto Rico: Unionized electrical workers and other activists to stage protest march and rally in San Juan July 3
Unionized electrical workers, other activists to protest in San Juan, Puerto Rico, July 3; increased security, transport disruptions likely.
Activists affiliated with various unions and civil society organizations, including electrical workers affiliated with the Electrical Industry and Irrigation Workers' Union of Puerto Rico (Union de Trabajadores de la Industria Electrica y Riego de Puerto Rico, UTIER), plan to stage a protest march and rally in the Old San Juan area of San Juan July 3. The purpose of the actions is to denounce recent electricity price hikes and blackouts. Protest organizers have called for participating activists to march from Plaza Colon to La Fortaleza, the residence of the governor of Puerto Rico, at 17:30. Demonstrators will then reportedly stage a cacerolazo rally at the site, banging pots and pans to make noise, from 20:00. The specific march route and number of people that will participate in the protest activity were not immediately clear.
Authorities will probably deploy a heightened security presence in Old San Juan to monitor the protest march and subsequent cacerolazo rally. Transport disruptions will likely affect the vicinity of the march as well as the area around La Fortaleza. Officials could close local roads on short notice in connection with the protest activity. Clashes between demonstrators and police cannot be ruled out.
Avoid the protest activity as a precaution. Consider taking alternative routes to circumvent the march and subsequent cacerolazo rally. Allow additional time to travel if operating in Old San Juan. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
