Union leader protests by parking Transantiago bus in front of La Moneda

SANTIAGO.- A Transantiago labor union leader decided to hold an unconventional protest this morning to speak out against the poor work conditions he claims he and his colleagues are being forced to endure under bus company management.

Just after 7:30 am this morning, Leopoldo Valdivia parked the Transantiago bus he drives each day in front of the La Moneda Presidential Palace.

On site, Valdivia stated, "our fellow workers are scared because company leaders impose a kind of workplace terrorism. They keep telling people every day that there is no work and that we are in a recession. That is a lie, how can public transportation be in a recession if it has reported earnings of 284%".

The labor union leader added that he merely wants employment problems to be resolved for his colleagues, who, according to him, comprise 25 thousand people. In turn, he says, conditions for those who use the transportation system will also improve.

"This is the second time that I have mounted a blatant protest, because we need to attract attention, it is the only way to make people listen to us", stated Valdivia, who was subsequently arrested by police.