Fishermen block highway in front of Celulosa Arauco facility in Valdivia

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VALDIVIA.- Route 5 South was blocked today by some 70 fishermen belonging to 5 labor unions in the seaside community of Niebla, 50 miles north of Valdivia. The individuals congregated to protest against the company Celulosa Arauco for having signed an agreement with workers in the fishing cove of Mehuín.

The agreement would allow the construction company to install a duct to discard liquid waste into the sea – an idea that is resolutely rejected by people living in the nearby fishing communities of Niebla and Missisipi.

To manifest their discord, the fishermen gathered outside the Celulosa Arauco company facility wielding banners and signs of protest, while setting fire to barricades.

After two hours of protest, the workers peacefully retreated from the area – disappointed by the fact that the Governor of Valdivia, Cristián Cayuquei, did not make an appearance. The fishermen declared that his absence would only serve to instigate more demonstrations throughout the city during the coming days.