Continuing protests may further impact transportation

More than 20,000 indigenous protesters continue to march to Cali on 21 October 2008. The protesters, who are involved in a land dispute with the government, have stated that they will march to Bogota if the government does not meet their demands. Travellers should continue to anticipate transportation delays along the Pan-American Highway and possible violent incidents. Approximately 200 indigenous protesters marched in the Prado neighborhood of Medellin for several hours beginning at 1000 local time on 20 October. There were no reported clashes between protesters and police officers. Meanwhile, thousands of members of major labor unions plan to participate in a one-day national strike on 23 October in support of the indigenous protesters and striking judicial workers. Teachers, bank workers, healthcare workers and workers in the energy industry plan to participate in the strike. Marches and rallies are scheduled to take place in major cities throughout the country beginning at 1200 local time on 23 October. Protests are expected to take place at the offices of several banks, including HSBC, Citibank, Bancolombia and Santander.