On the eve of the demonstrations, the Government and the Unitary Workers’ Union (CUT) reached an agreement to increase the minimum wage by 3.6 percent, which is considered an advance but insufficient. “We want to achieve a living wage that goes beyond the minimum salary increase that can effectively cover the real cost of living”, CUT President David Acuña said.

Another demand is establishing branch bargaining to allow equal rights, working conditions, and social benefits, including health insurance and pensions.

The workers’ unions also demand a 40-hour working week in the public sector, and the Karin Law to protect wage earners from any abuse.

United to recover Chile for the workers is the May 1st slogan, where the demonstrators will also speak out for more formal jobs.

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