Teachers across multiple states in the country have taken to the streets to protest and demand labor rights and salary adjustments. The protests began on January 9th in regions such as Mérida, Miranda, Táchira, Caracas, and Monagas, with many teachers expressing their frustration over the lack of a salary increase for over 660 days.
Carmen Teresa Márquez, the president of the Venezuelan Federation of Teachers, voiced the concerns of educators, stating that a salary adjustment is necessary to cover the rising costs of living. She emphasized that a category 6 teacher’s salary of Bs. 798 is equivalent to just 21 dollars, far below the amount needed to cover the food basket, which is approximately 552 dollars. Márquez also expressed the intention to continue protesting if the government does not respond, mentioning a planned national protest on Teacher’s Day, January 15th.
The demonstrations in various regions have garnered attention, with images and videos shared on social media showing teachers gathered in protest. In Mérida, teachers convened at Bolívar Square to demand better working conditions, while in Miranda, educators took over La Hoyada Avenue in Los Teques. In Caracas, workers and retirees also joined the protests to demand answers after over 660 days without salary increases.
The plight of educators in Venezuela reflects the broader economic challenges facing the country, with the minimum wage and pension being the lowest in Latin America. The ongoing protests reflect the deep-seated frustrations of teachers and workers, who are demanding meaningful change and improvements to their working conditions.