Several arrests, injuries to police and protesters, and a police helicopter flying over Plaza Independencia were part of the saga of the protests by the Single Union of Sea Workers and Related Workers.

The group maintains its work stoppage in defense of labor rights and remains intransigent in the face of the employers’ position that it will not negotiate with the union until the fishing boats return to work.

“Every time we go out to protest, sea workers are subjected to repression,” the union told the press. Workers are denouncing exploitation and demanding time to take rest, as well as back pay and better working conditions.

Business associations cite millions in losses and breaches of labor agreements.

Protesters claim they work “40 hours without sleeping” and “without resting,” according to banners displayed in Plaza Independencia, in the center of the capital.

The incidents were triggered by an episode between protesters and a private truck driver, after which the police intervened to repress the union members, according to their version.

Sea workers have been protesting for over a month and today are demanding state support for their demands.

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