Guatemala: Unionized healthcare workers stage protest march in Guatemala City Sept. 20

Unionized healthcare workers have launched a protest march in Guatemala City on Sept. 20. The demonstration reportedly began in the Trebol area, and protest participants have disrupted traffic on Avenida Bolivar and other local routes as they marched toward the city's Historic Center (Centro Historico) via the Congress of the Republic (Congreso de la Republica), the Presidential House (Casa Presidencial), and the National Palace of Culture (Palacio Nacional de la Cultura). The demonstration has also disrupted Transmetro bus services in the capital. Dozens of people appear to have joined in the march. The purpose of the protest was not immediately clear.

Healthcare workers' participation in the protest may cause short-term disruptions to medical services at some facilities. Authorities will deploy a heightened security presence along the march route to monitor the protest. Transport disruptions will likely continue to affect parts of Guatemala City over the coming hours. Road closures are possible. While significant violence is unlikely, clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out, especially if security forces attempt to forcibly disperse march participants.