Santa Cruz health workers suspend strike after negotiations

Health workers in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, have suspended a planned 24-hour strike following negotiations with regional authorities. The strike, originally scheduled for August 27, 2026, was called by the Federación Sindical de Trabajadores de Salud to demand the payment of a risk bonus and the regularization of July salaries.

Governor Juan Pablo Velasco had previously criticized the strike, stating that the regional government is fulfilling salary obligations and is working to transfer the responsibility of financing the vaccination bonus to the central government. He noted that legislative processes, such as Project of Law No. 221, are underway to address these funding issues.

Vice Governor Paola Aguirre confirmed the suspension of the protest, ensuring that medical services in third-level hospitals will continue. A new working meeting has been scheduled for September 4, 2026, to continue discussions regarding salary improvements and administrative competencies.