After 8 days of the hunger strike for respect and work stability in Cochabamba, 11 leaders of the Factory Worker Federation today began a second hunger strike inside the Ministry of Labor in the city of La Paz in response to the lack of government attention to their demands.

EVO: LISTEN TO THE STRIKING WORKERS Front of the manufacturing building…government silence in return
© Boris Ríos Brito for UB

Similarly, on the morning of July 7th, the conciliation meeting called by the Departmental Labor Directorate for Cochabamba between Manaco and worker Alejandro Saravia reached no agreement.The company does not have a policy of rehiring discharged workers, even if such terminations have been unjustified, stated René Crespo, Secretary of Relations of the Federation of Factory Workers in Cochabamba. According to Alejandro Saravia, the extreme measure will continue until Manaco reinstates him to his work position and life sustenance, and until the company’s working conditions improve.

In contrast, other sectors are showing solidarity with the hunger strike of the factory workers. The Cochabamba Tenants’ Organization (OINCO), will participate in mobilizations on Tuesday July 8th.

The conflict continues to grow at the national level, making the effects of labor flexibilization and neoliberalism in our country more apparent every day. Also, government authorities’ lack of action (which frequently becomes outright complicity with private businesses, despite this going against their responsibilities and existing laws) becomes clear.