Subcontractors Block Traffic in Concepción Demanding Unpaid Dues

Subcontractors for the Spanish construction firm Tapusa blocked traffic in Concepción, Chile, with trucks and machinery to demand overdue payments. The workers are protesting the company's abandonment of three major projects in the Biobío Region and its failure to pay suppliers. They claim to be owed more than 3.2 billion in outstanding invoices.

"We have spoken with various authorities, including the regional ministerial secretary, the ministry, and the mayor, and they have all promised to support us and find ways to fulfill the payments," said Alexis Gaete, a spokesperson for the affected workers. "But I feel we have not been heard, and the legal teams have erected a wall preventing our payment. We no longer want kind words or unfulfilled promises."

The protest took place on Avenida O'Higgins and in front of the Municipal Building during a City Council session. During the session, the council approved the disbursement of 300 million to address the situation, though the subcontractors' spokesperson indicated that previous promises had not materialized.

The subcontractors are demanding the cancellation of invoices for work completed on projects that Tapusa left unfinished. Their frustration stems from a prolonged period of seeking resolution through official channels without receiving the payments they are owed.