Venezuela labor, sovereignty, and electoral protests

In mid-September 2026, protesters in Caracas, including Chavista supporters and public employees, demonstrated against an oil agreement signed between the United States and Venezuela on August 28. Organized by groups such as the Communist Party of Venezuela, demonstrators labeled the deal ‘the worst oil contract in the world’ and argued it violates national sovereignty by handing resources to foreign powers. These protesters also demanded higher wages to combat an economic crisis where monthly base salaries remained at approximately 130 bolívares.

By early October, demonstrations shifted toward specific labor grievances within the energy sector. Oil workers and retirees gathered near the headquarters of the state-owned company PDVSA to demand wage increases and pension adjustments, describing their earnings as “starvation wages” of roughly 30 dollars per month. Labor leaders from the Federación Unitaria de Trabajadores Petroleros de Venezuela reported that collective bargaining negotiations have been delayed for more than eight years, and they called for the reinstatement of dismissed personnel and the resumption of contract discussions.

Social unrest has since expanded to include broader political and infrastructural grievances. In Caracas, demonstrators gathered at the National Electoral Council (CNE) to demand free elections and the release of political prisoners. Simultaneously, widespread protests have erupted in states including Aragua, Carabobo, Zulia, and Cojedes over prolonged power outages, with some reports citing blackouts lasting up to 19 hours. These demonstrations have featured road blockades and ‘cacerolazos’, as citizens and pensioners continue to march for improved social benefits and economic relief.