Peruvian Carriers announce Strike Amidst Rising Extortion and Violence
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Lima,peru – Transport guilds across Peru are preparing for a 24-hour strike on Thursday,August 21,in response to a surge in violence and extortion targeting drivers and collectors.The action underscores a growing crisis within the nationS public transportation sector, fueled by organized crime and a perceived lack of state protection. this strike represents a critical escalation in protests that have been building throughout 2025.
Escalating Attacks and the Call for Action
The metropolitan Association of Urban Transport Companies (AMETUR) reports a disturbing increase in attacks against public transport personnel. According to AMETUR, at least 45 drivers and collectors have been killed as January 2025, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. Manuel Odiana, president of AMETUR, stated bluntly, “If the state is not serious now, this August 21 is the last 24-hour strike… There is not one step back, not a step later, the next step is the abyss.”
The strike is intended as a direct appeal to the central government to address the escalating security concerns and provide concrete solutions to protect transport workers. The guilds are demanding increased police presence, stricter law enforcement, and a thorough strategy to dismantle extortion networks.
Did You Know? Extortion in Peru’s transport sector is frequently enough linked to organized crime groups who demand ‘protection money’ from operators, threatening violence if payments are not made.
Ultimatum to the Government
Odiana issued an ultimatum, stating that if the government fails to respond within one month with a concrete plan of action, the next protest will be a nationwide, indefinite strike. This escalation would cripple public transportation across the country, impacting millions of commuters and disrupting economic activity.
The president of the National Association of Transport Integration (Anitra), martín valeriano, has also confirmed support for the August 21 strike, despite conflicting statements from César Sandoval, head of the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), who initially downplayed the possibility of a work stoppage.
Previous Attempts at Dialog
AMETUR’s Manuel Odiana emphasized that transport guilds have repeatedly sought dialogue with government authorities to address the issue of crime. “We have tried to get the attention of the authorities to talk, so that they stop being fighting,” he explained, adding that they have also approached members of Congress to establish productive dialogue tables and develop effective countermeasures against the wave of violence.
This situation highlights a broader challenge of citizen security in Peru, where organized crime continues to exert influence in various sectors. According to a 2023 report by the Global initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, Peru is increasingly vulnerable to criminal actors due to its strategic location and porous borders [1].
Pro Tip: Understanding the underlying causes of crime, such as poverty and lack of opportunity, is crucial for developing sustainable solutions.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January – August 2025 | 45 drivers and collectors killed in attacks. |
| August 21, 2025 | Planned 24-hour strike by transport guilds. |
| Within 1 Month of August 21, 2025 | Guilds expect government response and action plan. |
What steps can the Peruvian government take to effectively address the security concerns of transport workers? How will this strike impact daily life for citizens in Lima and callao?
Context: The Rise of Extortion in Peruvian Transport
The current crisis is not isolated.Extortion has been a persistent problem in Peru’s transport sector for years, often linked to criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking and other illicit activities. The increasing boldness of these groups, coupled with a perceived lack of effective law enforcement, has created a climate of fear and impunity. The economic impact of extortion is critically important, as transport operators are forced to pass on the costs to passengers, leading to higher fares and reduced service quality. Furthermore, the violence associated with extortion undermines public trust in the transportation system and discourages investment in the sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
- what is the main reason for the Peruvian transport strike? The strike is primarily due to escalating violence and extortion targeting drivers and collectors.
- When is the planned strike date? The strike is scheduled for Thursday, August 21, 2025.
- What are the transport guilds demanding from the government? They are demanding increased security measures, stricter law enforcement, and a comprehensive plan to combat extortion.
- What could happen if the government doesn’t respond? The guilds have threatened an indefinite,nationwide strike.
- Is this strike limited to Lima and Callao? While the initial focus is on Lima and Callao, the threat of a nationwide strike looms if demands aren’t met.
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