Venezuela workers protest wage cuts and power outages

Widespread labor protests and civil unrest are occurring across several Venezuelan states, driven by economic hardship and a deteriorating electrical grid. In Caracas, union groups and families of political prisoners marched to demand better pensions, higher wages, and the release of detainees.

In the education sector, teachers in states such as Barinas, Lara, and Portuguesa are requesting a three-day school week as a contingency plan. They cite extreme heat in classrooms and the inability to study due to frequent power outages that often exceed eight hours daily. Additionally, educators in Lara have reported the arbitrary suspension of food bonuses for approximately 245 state teachers.

Industrial and regional unrest is also evident. In Guayana, workers from basic industries are protesting unfulfilled collective bargaining agreements. In Bolívar, Sidor employees blocked access to the company and highways to demand the restoration of benefits. Meanwhile, residents in Monagas report severe psychological and physical stress due to prolonged, unprogrammed electricity rationing that disrupts water supply and communications.