Massive protests paralyse Bolivia

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Massive protests paralyse Bolivia

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Miners and other union workers have launched massive protest in in La Paz.

08 April,2011 10:02 pm

The workers - including miners, teachers and health workers - are demanding higher wages in light of inflation that is eroding their pay. “Today, the cost of basic family basket (of food) has gone up almost four times in price. You used to be able to eat lunch for 6 Bolivians; now, it costs 15. Fifteen” said Omar Carrion, a teacher and union leader. “And there is no person who could live on 20 Bolivians a day. Thats reality in our country. Thats why today we demand raises in our salary, for teachers to have level hours and for everyone to benefit from salary increases-- not just for teachers, but for doctors, for salaried workers, for police, for prosecutors-- for everyone, because we all eat,” he added.Bolivian President Evo Morales had agreed to a 10 percent pay rise, but only for a few key sectors. The protesters were demanding a more generous and more inclusive policy. Miners set off dynamite, as police tried to disperse crowds with tear gas and jets of water, which they fired from armored vehicles.As the cries rose against President Evo Morales, the demonstration showed how the 51-year-old statesman has fallen out of favor with his former stronghold: the Bolivian working class who helped him to come to power as the countrys first indigenous leader in 2002. Communications Minister Ivan Canelas said the government was willing to talk, but strikers must abandon violence.“There is good willingness to hold talks, to dialogue through the ministers in the area. We believe the workers all have the right to protest but not to generate violence. This situation has caused discontent by the population because of the fear caused by miners throwing dynamite,” he said.The government has stuck by a 10 percent pay rise, which will only go to the army, police and certain workers in health and education. Many of Morales supporters turned against him at the end of last year when he said he would be cutting fuel subsidies. After huge protests erupted across the nation, Morales backtracked the decision, at least temporarily.Prices have been spiraling since and many poor Bolivians say they can no longer afford to feed their families.