2024-07-20 04:41:01
The country’s main trade union organisations are mobilising on Thursday 4 July in a protest against the Government of Daniel Noboa. José Villavicencio, president of the United Workers Front (FUT), has highlighted several concerns that motivate this action.
One of them is the reduction of fuel subsidies, a measure that has generated discontent among various sectors of the population and has led to previous demonstrations. Villavicencio also criticises the financial compensation directed to taxi drivers, pointing out that it benefits large economic groups instead of directly supporting the workers who need it most.
In addition, the FUT highlights the increase in unemployment and the lack of effective policies to encourage the formal hiring of workers. Statistics show a decrease in the number of formal jobs and an increase in both underemployment and unemployment, which worsens the economic situation of many Ecuadorians. Regarding the health system, criticism focuses on the shortage of medicines and supplies, as well as the lack of medical equipment in hospitals.
Another point of contention is the lack of clarity on the use of funds raised by the increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT). Unions question how these resources are being invested, especially after the government mentioned that they would be used to finance improvements in infrastructure and security, without providing sufficient details on the matter.
The mobilization on July 4 will include demonstrations in various cities across the country, such as Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca and others, seeking to forcefully express the demands and concerns of workers and citizens affected by current policies. This will be the second major march organized by unions against the Noboa government, reflecting a climate of growing social discontent and drawing attention to the need for effective responses from the authorities to address these problems.