Colombia: Taxi drivers plan to stage nationwide strike Aug. 9

Event

Unionized taxi drivers plan to strike nationwide Aug. 9 over increasing gasoline prices. Taxi drivers could hold related protests and block main roads during the strike. Taxi drivers may also stage "go-slow" protests by deliberately driving at very low speeds or parking vehicles on busy streets, causing traffic congestion. Increased demand for alternative transport is likely in the affected areas.

Police will almost certainly deploy to monitor related protest activities. Clashes have occurred previously between police and protesting taxi drivers in Colombia; similar confrontations are possible, especially if police attempt to clear any road blockades.

Advice

Plan accordingly for transport disruptions and allow additional travel time. Consider arranging alternative means of transport in advance of the strike. Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution. Do not attempt to cross roadblocks.