Work Strike Photos

Photobucket Album

sWell, this chronicles a crazy experience that got over just 2 days before I came back to US. Ilo and the regional town of Moquequa went on a strike, work stoppage that ended up lasting 10 days. Southern Peru is the center of gold, silver and copper. Ilo has the refinery for copper just outside the town center. To compensate from the health issues and other problems from the mines the govt had monetarily compensated these areas. There were 4 horrible smoke stacks for 30 years and everyone has healthy problems etc. (Luckily now they don't). The money is used to fund public works etc. It provides work to many needy people etc. Well this year the amount was significantly reduced. So all the labor groups and other called for a strike, but it actually a complete stoppage. They cut off all transportation within the city and without so taxis and combis couldn't move around. Also no transportation in or out of the city. Ilo is a bit isolated and this was also an issue. No buses, no trains. Nothing. In addition, all stores were closed. It was completely shut down. No school. Nothing. It was really eerie in the day. It was quiet. Like in the middle of the night, but it was the day. It lasted 10 days before they were able to strike a deal with the govt. In the other town things got a little out of control. At one point almost 15,000 were gathered for demonstrations etc. 300 riot police were called in. It was quiet the experience to see what people can do and how these things work. Food prices were really high when after a week they allowed 3 hours a day of food to be purchased. Here are some photos and videos