Peruvian workers protest new labor law in Lima

Thousands of workers have taken to the streets of the Peruvian capital to protest against a new labor law which they say diminishes many of their rights.

Some 5,000 young workers marched through Lima’s main avenues on Tuesday, disrupting traffic and blocking a freeway, while chanting slogans such as, “The people united will never be defeated.”

The demonstrators called for the repeal of the law passed by the National Congress last week as part of an economic reform package.

“I do not agree with the new labor law for young people. I don’t agree with cutting benefits in that manner. I think they are abusing us and that encourages companies to… start exploiting us more than they already do,” said a demonstrator.

The new legislation grants private companies the right to deny workers aged between 18 and 24 certain benefits such as bonuses, life insurance and compensation for length of service. It also reduces their monthly leave to 15 days and prevents them from working for the same establishment for more than three years.

Similar demonstrations were also held all over the country during the last few days.