Guatemala: Health workers to hold protests, build roadblocks nationwide Dec. 8

Event

Unionized health workers, affiliated with the National Union of Employees of the San Juan de Dios General Hospital (Sindicato Nacional de Empleados del Hospital General San Juan de Dios) plan to hold protests and build roadblocks in multiple locations throughout Guatemala Dec. 8, to demand a salary increase for health workers nationwide.

The demonstrations are likely to begin very early Dec. 8, and among the confirmed protest sites are the following:

• Calzada Roosevelt and Calzada Aguilar Batres in Guatemala City

• La Cumbre in Salama, Baja Verapaz Department

• Nahuala in Solola Department

• Chupol in Quiche Department

• Cuatro Caminos and San Cristobal in Totonicapan Department

• Puente Castillo Armas in Retalhuleu Department

• Mexico-Guatemala border in Tecun Uman, San Marcos Department

• Mundo Maya Airport (FRS) in Peten Department

• Cruce a San Vicente Pacaya in Escuintla Department

Hundreds are likely to participate in each of the protests; the protests are likely to cause significant transport and business disruptions around them. Heightened security near the protests is possible; clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Allow additional time and plan for alternative routes if operating in Guatemala Dec. 8. Do not attempt to cross a roadblock; wait for the police to reopen the roads or look for alternative routes if you encounter one.