Bolivian workers unions break with Evo Morales for the first time and declares national strike.

CONFLICT • The Central Obrera Boliviana (COB) breaks with Evo Morales and declares national strike for wage increase demand.

By EUGEN ROXAS

COB Photo © EL DEBER®. All rights reserved.

LA PAZ , Bolivia. — The country's trade unions protested yesterday to reject the government's proposal for wage increases of only five percent. The COB requires 25 percent pay raises. .

The Central Obrera Boliviana (COB), which until now served as the main ally of the government social organization, distanced itself from the official line and declared a 24-hour national strike for Tuesday.

The Central Obrera Boliviana (COB), the main ally of the MAS is composed of more than sixty unions in Bolivia. This strike is the first against Evo Morales.