In Nizao, Bani, a mixed patrol of the police and Air Force stopped traffic over the weekend in the communities of Catalina and Carreton near to where the Punta Catalina thermoelectric central is being built, following picketing last weekend by the project’s workers who are demanding better working conditions.
The contingent was headed by police major, Maldonado, and they stopped all vehicles trying to reach the area.
The Colombian and Dominican workers were striking demanding a salary increase, social security and the rehiring of those employees who had been dismissed.
Colombian Oscar Lemus described the working conditions as deplorable and that a companion had lost his life, due to the lack of safety during the construction.
Rafael Pepe Abreú, president of the National Council of Union Unity (CNUS), accompanied protestors over the weekend and managed to meet with the project executives.
By Monday, 15 May 2017, traffic had returned to normal and trucks were once again taking materials to the project.
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El Nacional
16 May 2017
