Peru: Unionized education workers likely to stage strike and related protest activity across country through at least Oct. 21

Education workers affiliated with the Unitary Union of Education Workers of Peru (Sindicato Unitario de Trabajadores en la Educacion del Peru, SUTEP) will likely continue their indefinite, nationwide strike through at least Oct. 21 after initially stopping work on Oct. 16. The purpose of the labor action is to demand higher salaries and bonus payments. As part of the work stoppage, participants have staged demonstrations in multiple areas, including Lima, Arequipa, Ica, and Tumbes. On Oct. 17, activists in Lima reportedly staged a march toward the Congress of the Republic. Strike organizers have indicated that the labor action will continue until authorities address their demands. Similar gatherings will likely materialize near government offices and plazas in other major urban areas across Peru.

Heightened security and localized disruptions to transport and business operations will likely affect areas that are subject to protest activity. Clashes between protesters and police are possible. While the staggered nature of the strike will likely mitigate disruptions to school classes, class cancellations cannot be ruled out.