Overview
- Transport unions said on Wednesday that 11 guilds representing more than 80% of regular urban services have ratified a total strike set for Tuesday, Aug. 25, and that they will cancel the action only if the Presidency grants a formal audience and installs a working table to discuss security measures.
- Unions framed the move as a response to rising extortion and targeted violence against drivers and managers, citing recent shootings and the Aug. 6 killing of transport manager Eugenio Benítez Tacanga as direct causes of the protest.
- The unions have proposed specific security steps including specialized police units, strict controls on prison communications, and permanent police posts at high‑risk stops and say they have received no formal contact from the Executive about those demands.
- Weather and infrastructure pressures are already changing travel: the government’s Sutran agency reported multiple road alerts and blocked segments from huaicos, several interprovincial operators suspended ticket sales to southern regions, and the Presidency announced an S/800 million El Niño prevention package.
- Beyond the immediate transport stoppage risk, agencies warn of an elevated chance of an extraordinary El Niño with Cenepred estimating 12.8 million people and 4.5 million homes at risk, a factor that raises stakes for emergency logistics and the new administration’s response.