Written by Kendal

When there are problems in Chile, the people unite. They protest, go on strike, march through the streets and riot.

The people, united, will never be defeated.

Be it for better public education, worker´s rights, social equality, or even the right to legally use marijuana, the people gather as one to show their frustrations and demand reform. It is the freedom of speech at its finest.

There´s always a protest going on here in Santiago, some group making noise for change; it seems to be such a part of the post-dictatorship public´s very fibers due to being silenced for so long under Pinochet. They are certainly no longer silenced, actively displaying their voice on a regular basis.

One such massive voice currently on strike is the Central Workers Union (CUT), demanding the respect of social and civil rights and reiterating the need for a new economic model, a new constitutional policy and a new labor code in Chile. Politicians, citizens and more than 80 social organizations and unions have vowed support, beginning their two-day strike today, 24 August, in what will cost the nation an estimated $200 million USD. It is a strike the President Sebastián Piñera said is paralyzing the nation.

Though there has been no mass march organized —in Chile you must obtain a permit to legally march— there has already been quite a bit of movement by this group in the streets. And unfortunately in this situation and many others, things usually turn violent, streets are blocked and vandalism is high. In this case, the threat is so high that police are everywhere, and there is talk of resorting to the Internal Security Law, which allows authorities the right to use military force in order to maintain public order, and it triples judicial sanctions for detained protestors.

And for better or worse, this strike will pass, only to see another take its place, maybe not as big, but focused on the same thing: Change. And you will hear in the streets once more, "The people, united, will never be defeated."

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