Unions in Chile lead demands for emergency aid as pandemic bites

Unions demand emergency assistance, higher wages as.prolonged pandemic leaves people with nothing to eat.

Wearing obligatory facemasks and holding permits that allow them to circulate under lockdown, more than 20 representatives from Chile’s most important trade unions tried to convince Special Forces police to allow them to deliver a letter to President Sebastian Pinera. Barbara Figueroa, the president of CUT (United Confederation of Workers) led the delegation to the Moneda Presidential Palace, where she was told that only she would be allowed into the building. “We all go or none of us,” Figueroa said. “We are all representing our unions, including teachers, the metro workers, Walmart supermarkets, teachers and medical personnel. We need the president to receive our petition.”