Bolivia grants grace period for public servants due to announced transport strike

In Bolivia, the government has announced a one-hour grace period for public sector employees' arrival to work on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. This measure is in response to a 24-hour national transport strike called by the Confederation of Bolivian Drivers. The drivers' union cited the government's alleged failure to fulfill promises regarding engine repairs and improvements to the road network as the reason for the protest. The Ministry of Labor's statement emphasizes that this tolerance is exceptional and applies only to public servants. For the private sector, compliance with existing internal regulations and agreements between employers and employees is expected.

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El diálogo al que nos han invitado hoy día no va a participar la confederación ni los dirigentes, ¿por qué?, porque están toditos en sus sectores, quiero decirle también al ministro de Obras Públicas, nosotros siempre hemos sido del diálogo de concertación, participación y comunicación, nosotros vamos a ir al diálogo, si es posible mañana, o pasado, pero, hoy día no se participa a ningún tipo de reuniones.

The Confederation Sindical de Chóferes announced their decision to not attend a meeting called by the Minister of Public Works, Mauricio Zamora. Union leader Lucio Gomez confirmed that the strike would proceed as planned. Gomez expressed frustration, stating that while they are open to dialogue, the current invitation was not suitable. He indicated a willingness to participate in discussions at a later date, but not on the day of the strike.

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Para los servidores del sector público a nivel nacional, tolerancia de media hora en el horario de ingreso a la jornada laboral correspondiente al martes, 5 de mayo.

This situation highlights the ongoing tension between transport unions and the Bolivian government. While the government aims to maintain public services through measures like the grace period, the drivers' union demonstrates its power to disrupt daily life and pressure the administration to address their grievances. The differing approaches to dialogue and the specific demands of the union underscore the complex labor relations in the country.

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Mientras que "para el sector privado se deberá dar cumplimiento a la normativa interna vigente y a lo acordado entre las partes, considerando las modalidades y horarios de trabajo establecidos".