Workers in Peru fight neoliberal regime

Workers in Peru protesting for better working and living conditions face growing repression from the government.

Tens of thousands join striking workers, Lima, Peru.

Hundreds have been detained, dozens of protesters have been injured, and three have died since clashes with police began.

A general strike called by the General Confederation of Peruvian Workers for economic equality and against the policies of current president Alan Garcia was joined by indigenous and farming sectors demanding cheaper agricultural staples.

Farmers demanded an end to the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas. The FTAA has made it nearly impossible for local farmers in Peru and throughout Latin America to compete with U.S. corporations. 

The Peruvian United Worker’s Education Union (SUTEP) led some of the most militant demonstrations against a law that would facilitate the firing of teachers. Teachers blocked streets and held large protests demanding better training for teachers.

SUTEP’s union leadership came to an agreement with the government on July 19, after 15 days on strike. However, teachers in the cities of Puno and Arequipa in southern Peru have continued to take action, characterizing the agreement a betrayal to the strikers in the south.

President Garcia insulted the teachers, labeling them “radical, suicidal and crazy.”

The teachers in southern Peru have vowed that “with or without a wage, the strike will continue.”