Strike Threat

About 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) of waste accumulated at Honduras's main teaching hospital after a contractor's garbage truck broke down, prompting kitchen staff to threaten a strike over unsanitary conditions near the food-prep area.

Honduras's transport operators ruled out a strike during the upcoming Morazán holiday week but warned they will call an extraordinary assembly to consider measures if the government does not schedule talks within two weeks to address rising fuel costs and operational expenses.

Honduras's National Transport Council held an extraordinary assembly in Siguatepeque on October 4 to analyze rising fuel costs and discuss possible responses, including whether to call a nationwide strike.

Cargo and fuel transporters announced they will suspend fuel deliveries nationwide Wednesday unless the government agrees to raise their rates, which have not been adjusted in eight years despite rising fuel costs.

Transport leader Wilmer Cálix said the sector will not hold a nationwide strike on Monday despite rising fuel costs, though some drivers in San Pedro Sula and the north are considering protest actions if the government does not address operational expenses.

Heavy-transport operators plan to meet with government officials on September 11 to demand updated freight rates and relief from rising fuel costs, warning they will halt cargo and fuel deliveries nationwide if demands are not met.

Transport union leaders meeting in Siguatepeque have decided against strikes during the Morazán holiday and given the government two weeks to address their demands.