Vidal on ANEF strike: It is wrong to make thousands of Chileans "pay"

SANTIAGO.- Although he recognized that the request on the part of public sector workers for higher salaries is “fair”, the Minister of the Presidency, Francisco Vidal, criticized the strike that was initiated today, indicating that it causes harm to thousands of Chileans.

“It is fair for public sector workers to ask for higher salaries, what is unacceptable is that thousands of Chileans have to pay  for it by not being  able to attend classes or go to the doctor’s office”, Vidal stated.

Vidal also reiterated that, “this is not the way to obtain legitimate salary improvements” and said that the Minister of Finance, Andrés Velasco, has held three negotiation meetings with the public employees.

Vidal indicated that he still did not know how many workers were involved in the strike and did not wish to comment on whether or not sanctions would be given to those participating in the demonstration.

The public sector employees, who belong to the ANEF, began a two day strike today to demand a salary raise of 14.5% for the sector.