Riot police pushed back protesters in Venezuela’s capital on Thursday as they demanded an increase to the minimum wage of 130 bolivars ($0.27) per month, according to Al Jazeera. The demonstrations. Which took place in Caracas. Were part of a broader movement by union leaders, retirees, and public sector workers seeking higher wages and dignified pensions.

Protesters March Toward Presidential Palace

Union leaders. Retirees, and public sector workers in Caracas marched toward the presidential palace to demand higher wages and dignified pensions, only to be met by police blockades. The protests on Thursday followed an address by acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who asked public and private sector workers for patience as her government works to improve the country’s economy.

Workers’ wages for years have not allowed them to afford basic necessities; many public sector workers survive on roughly $160 per month, while the average private sector employee earned about $237 last year. This stark contrast highlights the economic disparity between different sectors of the workforce.

Protesters Call for Immediate Change

Jose Patines. A union leader participating in the march, stated that the Venezuelan worker wants an immediate call for elections and the departure of the current government; he emphasized that a wage increase of just a few dollars would not suffice, stating, “We want a salary with purchasing power.”

National Police officers were deployed early on Thursday across downtown Caracas to intercept the march. Demonstrators initially breached the initial barriers, but reinforced blockades eventually halted the crowd, leaving the majority of protesters roughly two kilometers (1.2 miles) from the Miraflores presidential palace.

Government Promises Responsible Wage Increase

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez. In her national address, promised workers a wage increase on May 1. She did not disclose the amount but said it would be done in a way meant to avoid the inflationary spike that followed the last minimum wage increase.

“This increase, as we have indicated, will be a responsible increase,” Rodriguez said. “Likewise, in the near future, as Venezuela enjoys more resources that allow for the sustainability of salary improvements and workers’ income, we will continue moving forward on this path.”

Venezuela’s minimum wage of 130 bolivars, or $0.27 a month, has not increased since 2022, putting it well below the United Nations’ measure of extreme poverty of $3 a day. However, many public employees earn more through bonuses and other stipends that can take their monthly incomes up to $160.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or arrests during the scuffles between police and protesters. The protests highlight the growing frustration among the working class, who have long struggled to make ends meet with wages that fail to keep pace with inflation.

The demonstrations show the deepening economic crisis in Venezuela, where the government faces increasing pressure to address the needs of its citizens; As the situation continues to unfold, the government’s ability to deliver on its promises will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers.