Ruptly
"Representatives of Venezuelan unions and guilds demonstrated in Caracas to demand salary improvements and "transparent" elections in light of the country's economic situation. Images recorded this Thursday show the gathering that began at Las Mercedes square and ended at the United States embassy. During the event, the demonstrators displayed signs demanding the activation of Article 91 of the Constitution, which stipulates that workers have the right to a salary that allows them to live with dignity. "Today we march to the embassy to tell President [Donald] Trump that we are not happy. I am not happy. I do not want a salary of 0.26 dollars. That is not happiness. Happiness is a salary, as stated in Article 91 of the Constitution, that is equal to the basic basket," said Lina Mantilla, a health sector worker. The demonstrators pointed out that the problem in the country is not limited to salary issues, as there are also other sectors, such as health and education, that need to be addressed by the authorities. "It's no longer about salary. Look, this has gone from a labor issue to a social issue. It's water, it's electricity, it's health, it's education, it's salary as a priority in labor matters, it's freedom," commented José Patines, general secretary of the Foreign Ministry's union. Along the same lines, he requested support to promote political changes in the country. "What we are going to ask at the United States embassy is precisely that: that the right of all Venezuelans to be free is respected. And how is that achieved? Through elections," he added. Meanwhile, Carlos Salazar, coordinator and spokesperson for the National Union Coalition, delivered a document with the demonstrators' demands to Sam Samuels, the security officer of the U.S. embassy. "This country needs a change. Venezuela is currently rural. Venezuela was modern, had a future of modernization in the world, and today it is rural. We want a Venezuela for our grandchildren, for our children, and that can only be possible with immediate elections in the country, complying with the Constitution," declared Carlos Salazar. Last April, the Venezuelan government raised the "minimum comprehensive income" of workers to 240 dollars per month through bonuses, without modifying the base minimum wage. The adjustment includes an economic war bonus and a food bonus."
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