29/08/2013 18:55
Paraguay bus drivers crucify themselves to protest layoffs
A woman in Paraguay has climbed onto a wooden cross and had nails pounded through her hands, joining five men in a crucifixion protest that has already lasted 20 days, The Associated Press reported.
Bus driver Juan Villalba is leading the demonstration to protest a series of layoffs of union organizers at the Vanguardia bus company serving the nation’s capital.
Villalba said his wife, Maria Concepcion Candia, joined the five others on Wednesday out of solidarity. He says eight drivers were fired after asking for overtime pay, medical insurance and state pension contributions.
Company manager Aufredi Paredes said five of the drivers will be re-hired, but the rest will receive legal separation payments.