20,000 doctors go on indefinate strike

Approximately 20,000 doctors affiliated with the state Peruvian Medical Federation (FMP) launched an indefinite strike on 15 September 2008 over an ongoing wage dispute after talks failed with the government, which declared the strike illegal and warned of retaliatory measures. Union leaders stated that the strike will affect all state hospitals but that emergency services will continue to be provided. Doctors are demanding a raise in salary that would equal the pay of other social sector officials and an increase in funds allocated to public health. Talks with government officials ended on 14 September and there has been no word on whether the government will resume negotiations.