Bolivia government reaches deal with main trade union to end blockades

President Rodrigo Paz of Bolivia announced Friday that his government had signed an agreement with the Confederación de Organizaciones Bolivianas (COB), the country's main federation of trade unions, ending the nationwide road blockades that had lasted six weeks.

COB leader Mario Argóyo said the union will lift the pressure measures at the national level. Paz said the dialogue is now “stronger than force” and called the pact a “ray of hope for all Bolivians.” The agreement does not cover all sectors and details have not been released.

The protests, involving workers, farmers, miners, transporters and teachers, had caused shortages of fuel, medicines and food, especially in La Paz, and resulted in 14 deaths, according to the citizen’s advocate. Some farmer groups, such as the Tupac Katari federation, said they will continue pressure until demands—release of arrested demonstrators, respect for indigenous organisations and economic measures—are met.