20 Oct 2018 | 01:45 AM UTC
Colombia: Teacher union announces new strike Oct. 23 /update 3
FECODE teacher union plans to hold 24-hour nationwide strike on October 23; associated demonstrations expected
Event
The Federation of Educators of Colombia (FECODE), a union that represents over 300,000 teachers across Colombia, is planning to hold a 24-hour strike on Tuesday, October 23. According to the union, the strike will coincide with similar actions by students and other university employees, who are already on strike. Associated demonstrations are expected to take place in major urban areas around the country, particularly in the capital Bogotá. Heightened security measures and traffic disruptions are anticipated around all protest sites. Low-level violence (clashes, vandalism) cannot be ruled out.
Context
University students and faculty already launched a nationwide strike on October 12 after the government assigned USD 164 million to the education budget, less that 12 percent of the total requested by unions. All 32 public universities in the country are expected to remain closed until further notice; private universities could also potentially be affected.
Advice
Individuals in Colombia are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution and allow for additional time to reach their destinations.
