09 Oct 2024 | 01:30 AM UTC
Peru: Renewed transport strikes and protests to occur in Lima and Callao Oct. 10-12 /update 3
Transport unions to renew strike actions and protests in Lima and Callao, Peru, Oct. 10-12 in response to extortion of transport workers.
Unions representing transport workers have announced they will renew strike actions and protests across Lima and neighboring Callao Oct. 10-12. As part of this renewal, many organizations representing bus and taxi drivers have called for a complete suspension of services throughout Lima and Callao; the strike is especially likely to be adhered to by informal workers in the transport sector, as some unions of formal workers have said they do not plan on joining the strike. However, disruptions across all portions of the transportation sector are likely as striking workers block roads, causing major transport and business disruptions throughout the area, especially in the city's north,
In response to similar strike actions and protests in late September, the Ministry of Transport and Communications asked employers to allow their personnel to arrive at work up to four hours late and urged individuals to work remotely if possible; similar disruptions are likely beginning Oct. 10. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces are possible.
In response to unrest among transport workers, authorities have imposed a state of emergency (SoE) in Lima's Ancon, Ate, Carabayllo, Comas, Independencia, Los Olivos, Lurigancho-Chosica, Puente Piedra, Rimac, San Juan de Lurigancho, San Martin de Porres, Santa Rosa, and Villa El Salvador districts through at least Nov. 25. The measure also applies to Ventanilla District of Callao.
Under the SoE, the constitutional rights to free transit and assembly and the right to be free from warrantless searches are suspended. While the decree does not include a curfew, the interior minister warned that suspending these rights would allow the government to order people to remain at home and that authorities would likely declare a curfew in some parts of Lima. Officials could impose such a curfew with little notice.
The state of emergency also allows the armed forces to engage in law enforcement actions and conduct patrols. In response to the unrest in September, police deployed 15,000 officers; similar levels of security are likely in October.
Avoid protests as a precaution. If clashes occur, immediately take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Allow for additional transport time throughout Lima. Consider suspending transport and business operations until the strike and protests subside. Avoid using buses for transport. Reconfirm all business appointments. Consider temporarily implementing work-from-home protocols. Do not attempt to bypass roadblocks; wait for authorities to dismantle them. Strictly heed the directives of authorities.
The strikes and protests are aimed at forcing authorities to take action to reduce the level of extortion targeting transportation companies. The strike first began shortly after a bus driver was shot and killed Sept. 22 while resisting paying extortionists who boarded his vehicle; the shooting was the latest in several recent attacks on drivers and the companies that employ them. Late Sept. 26, a major fire consumed a parking lot being used by a transport company, destroying at least 25 passenger buses; initial reports indicate the fire was likely deliberately set by extortionists as a response to the strike.
