Bolivian teacher strikes and education disputes

Bolivian teachers conducted a 24-hour national strike in La Paz, marching to demand higher salaries, improved working conditions, and increased investment in the public education system. This mobilization occurred despite a state of exception extended until December 20, 2026, which formally prohibits public marches.

The teachers' union expressed opposition to government proposals regarding decentralization and privatization. In response, Education Minister Ricardo Erick Sanjinés Chávez denied any intention to privatize, clarifying that the government aims to transfer the administration of technical and technological institutes to regional authorities to better align vocational training with local needs. Sanjinés also announced that the government will implement salary deductions for teachers participating in strikes, stating, ‘Día trabajado es día no pagado’ (A day worked is a day not paid).

Recent escalations show that urban teachers, including members of the Confederation of Urban Education Workers of Bolivia (CTEUB), have launched a wave of national strikes and protests. These demonstrations are driven by rising living costs following the government’s September 18 decision to abolish the last diesel subsidy, which nearly doubled the price per liter, as well as opposition to education reforms. In cities such as La Paz, Cochabamba, and Potosí, marches and roadblocks have been met with police responses involving tear gas, rubber bullets, and detentions. In Potosí, the departmental federation of urban education workers has called for a major march to demand job stability, fair wages, and respect for constitutional rights, rejecting decrees they claim undermine the quality of free public education.