Bolivia: Santa Cruz de la Sierra Municipal Guards and firefighters stage strike Dec. 30-Jan. 2

A union representing the Municipal Guards, who are responsible for crime prevention and general security, as well as firefighters, is holding a strike in Santa Cruz de la Sierra from Dec. 30-Jan. 2. The purpose of the strike is to demand that the city government comply with an arbitration ruling and apply a labor law that provides protections for union workers. The National Police, who investigate crimes and affect arrests, are not participating in the strike.

The strike is likely to significantly decrease the number of Municipal Guards and firefighters on duty, possibly increasing street crime and reducing the government's capacity to respond to emergencies such as fires and major accidents. Transport disruptions are also possible, especially if groups of strikers hold protests and block roads.