Venezuelan unions demand wage hikes and report missing leader

Labor organizations in Venezuela are intensifying demands for economic reforms and reporting the disappearance of a union leader. The Movimiento Sindical Constitucional (MSC) formally submitted a list of grievances to the Vice Presidency, calling for emergency wage increases for all workers and the immediate negotiation of the Petroleum Collective Contract (CCP).

The MSC's demands include the repeal of specific labor instructions (Memorandum 2792 and ONAPRE), transparency in the Pension Fund, and the reinstatement of over 1,000 workers dismissed in 2024. The group also called for the reactivation of oil sector housing plans and improved safety and hygiene policies.

Simultaneously, the Coalición Nacional Sindical is demanding information regarding the whereabouts of Orlando Ramírez, president of the Ministry of Transport Union. Labor representatives claim Ramírez has been missing since his alleged detention on September 8 following a protest in Caracas. Human rights groups and colleagues report that authorities have provided no official information regarding his location or health status.