LatinNews Daily Report - 08 May 2013

POLITICS | Protests escalate in Bolivia. On 7 May Bolivia’s main umbrella union Central Obrera Boliviana (COB) set up blockades in seven of Bolivia’s nine regions as part of continuing strike action in demand of better pensions. With the country’s other two regions (Pando and Chuquisaca) due to follow suit today (8 May), pressure is growing on the government led by President Evo Morales to reach a deal with the COB. The COB insists it will only negotiate directly with the president, who is currently out of the country attending the G-77 summit of developing countries in Fiji. Of big concern for the government is the decision by 5,000 employees at Bolivia’s main Huanuni tin mine (in Oruro) to join the strike yesterday.  Mining Minister Mario Virreira said that cost US$500,000 in losses. Roads leading to Argentina (both via Tarija and Potosí) and Chile (via Oruro) were also blocked