Colombia: Truckers plan to stage strike, set up roadblocks in Santander Department from Jan. 7 though no national strike action immediately confirmed /update 1

Truck drivers plan to stage a strike and set up protest roadblocks in Santander Department from early Jan. 7. The purpose of the labor action is to denounce rising toll rates and fuel prices. Roadblocks are likely to obstruct roads and highways near Lebrija, Piedecuesta, La Lizama, and Berlin, among other areas. While similar work stoppages and accompanying roadblocks cannot be ruled out in other parts of Colombia, several national transport workers' associations have asserted that they do not intend to launch strike actions on Jan. 7. Truckers' associations and authorities will likely engage in negotiations aimed at averting further strikes over the coming days.

Significant ground transport and business disruptions will likely affect areas subject to strike actions and roadblocks. Clashes between protesters and police, as well as between protesters and citizens attempting to use blocked roads, are possible.