Uruguay: Labor unions to strike, protest April 25

Event

Workers affiliated with the Inter-union Plenary of Workers-National Convention of Workers (Plenario Intersindical de Trabajadores-Convencion Nacional de Trabajadores, PIT-CNT), a major confederation of labor unions, plan to hold a nationwide strike April 25. Protesters in Montevideo will gather outside de Legislative Palace from 15:00. The aim of the strike and demonstrations is to oppose a pension reform proposed by President Lacalle Pou's administration that would raise the retirement age from 60 to 65. Although there were no immediate announcements detailing plans for any related gatherings, activists may nonetheless stage demonstrations, especially near prominent government buildings, public squares, and thoroughfares. The number of participants the demonstrations may draw remains unclear.

The strike is likely to affect public transport and some taxi services as taxi drivers represented by the Single Taxi Union (Sindicato Unico del Taxi, SUATT) will also join the strike. Unionized healthcare workers may cancel non-urgent appointments, and unionized bank employees joining the action could disrupt some banking services. Some employees of private educational institutions will also join the strike, which could also affect public schools and universities.

The strike and associated marches are likely to cause business and transport disruptions. Protesters may gather in other locations in Montevideo as well as in other cities in Uruguay. Though the labor action will probably be peaceful, police are likely to deploy to protest sites.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Allow additional time to reach destinations if operating near protest sites or march routes. Heed the instructions of authorities.