Colombian teachers stage new one-day strike over poor conditions

Colombian teachers staged a one-day nationwide strike on Thursday 14 February, in the latest bout of industrial action over poor conditions, underfunding and unfulfilled government agreements in the public education system.

According to Carlos Rivas of the FECODE teachers union, the largest trade union in Colombia, a major factor driving the strike is the low quality of health services offered to workers in the teaching sector. Similar demands for improvement were at the root of the extended 37-day strike which paralysed the national school system in 2017.

In addition, striking teachers are protesting the ongoing violence against social activists in Colombia, with hundreds of people murdered since 2016. Among the victims are several teachers.

Large demonstrations were held in several cities. More strikes are likely if teachers’ demands are not met.