Caracas Chronicles

Since the start of the month, State-owned aluminium producer Venalum has been on strike.

Three weeks later, the conflict has heated up between company workers and  management, which has brought outside reinforcements such as the Oversight Ministry and Bolivarian Militia soldiers.

Reasons behind the strike include electrical failures that have affected production, questionable hiring decisions, and other labor disputes. Others consider it has political overtones, given the ongoing struggle between Bolívar State Governor Francisco Rangel Gómez and Guayana’s main unions. The finding of weapons in Venalum’s premises and an attempt against the life of the workers’ union president have heightened tensions.

While other CVG workers are protesting on the streets as well, the governor has dedicated more of his time promoting Ciudad Bolívar’s bid to host the 2019 Panamerican Games. Too bad for him that the competition comes from wealthier, more organized cities.