Venezuelan Workers Clash with Police Over Pay and Pension Demands

Venezuelan police blocked protesters in the capital on Thursday as workers, retirees and union leaders marched to demand higher wages and improved pensions.

Demonstrators attempted to reach the presidential palace in Caracas but were stopped by security forces, who set up multiple barricades across key routes in the city. While some protesters briefly pushed past initial barriers, reinforced police lines ultimately halted the march about two kilometres from the palace.

The protest came a day after acting President Delcy Rodríguez urged patience, saying the government is working to stabilise the economy and would announce a wage increase on May 1.

Participants said current earnings are insufficient to cover basic living costs. Public sector workers reportedly earn around $160 per month on average, while private sector wages remain only slightly higher.

Union leader José Patines called for broader political and economic changes, saying workers are demanding salaries that reflect real purchasing power rather than small incremental increases.

Despite tensions and brief confrontations, there were no immediate reports of injuries or arrests.

Rodríguez said any upcoming wage adjustment would be implemented carefully to avoid triggering further inflation, which has historically eroded income gains in the country.

Venezuela’s minimum wage has remained unchanged since 2022, leaving many citizens reliant on bonuses and supplementary payments to meet daily needs.

The demonstrations highlight ongoing economic hardship in the country, where rising living costs continue to fuel public frustration.