Thread: Anti-CAFTA Protesters Threaten General Strike in Costa Rica

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Anti-CAFTA Protesters Threaten General Strike in Costa Rica

San Jose, May 18 (Prensa Latina) The National Farming Union of Costa Rica (UPA) warned that they will step up protests against the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) that President Abel Pacheco intends to sign with the United States.

The warning was issued through a letter conveyed to the government amid an anti-FTA national protest following a successful demonstration staged by labor sectors in the capital. The letter calls for dialogue, but states that in the absence of a positive response, they will resort to further action.

The UPA also called for a stop to price hikes of fuel, and the annulment of the monopoly by the Spanish company Riteve on annual vehicle inspections, and called the government to renegotiate CAFTA before it is sent to Congress for confirmation and enforcement.

Meanwhile, thousands of workers, peasants, laymen and pro-environment gathered in Central Park Monday and marched chanting "No to the FTA" and "the homeland is not for sale, the homeland must be defended". The demands included better salaries and lower fuel prices.

Albino Vargas Barrantes, secretary general of the National Association of Public Servants and the Private Sector (ANEP) said the first day of actions surpassed expectations, and Danilo Rojas, leader of the Teacher"s Association, said they were satisfied with the outcome.

The media said there were rallies and marches in other provinces.

Sergio Saborio, coordinator of the Electricity Workers (ICE) said that if the CAFTA text is sent to Congress, the Unions have already agreed to call for a general strike.

I'll take ALL THE HELP we can get. Let's pray they pull it off and put their government back a few steps. We need the time.

Looks like the people don’t want CAFTA only the governments who aren’t representing them.