Police fired tear gas at protesters in Caracas on Thursday as workers marched to demand higher wages and better pensions.
Protesters, estimated to number around 2,000, attempted to enter the presidential palace but were stopped by police officers in riot gear. Videos shared on social media showed police wearing helmets and shields scuffling with protesters as clashes broke out along the route.
The protests are the latest in a series of anti-government protests that have occurred since the United States ousted longtime leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3.
Edward Ocariz, who attended the protest, said: Latin America Report There was a lot of pushing by the police. He said a police officer took his phone while filming, but he managed to get it back, injuring his hand in the process.
A video released by Venezuelan human rights group PROVEA shows a police officer assaulting a person with a shield, which the NGO said was the person who filmed it.
Workers took to the streets to protest against low wages and pensions, making it difficult for some citizens to make ends meet. Venezuela’s minimum wage for public sector workers will not increase after 2022, leaving many employees earning as little as 130 bolivars per month. This equates to less than US$0.30, not even enough for a loaf of bread.
Topping up ‘bonuses’ – additional payments provided by the government – can boost total earnings by US$50 to US$150, but unions and workers say this is unreliable and they want decent wages.
For years, Venezuelans have endured an economic crisis that has left them struggling to buy food, medicine and basic necessities.
Rene Zapata, secretary of the Venezuelan Federation of Teachers organization in Miranda Province, said: “We cannot continue to survive on miserable wages. Latin America Report. He said, “With my salary, I can’t even buy half a box of eggs.”
Zapata said he and other protesters managed to get past some barricades and that the workers just wanted better income and the ability to afford to eat.
Anti-government protests demanding better living standards have increased since Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were arrested in a U.S. operation on January 3. Protests have been virtually non-existent since the 2024 presidential election (when Maduro claimed victory despite evidence to the contrary that he had lost) due to threats of detention.
“People have shown that they have lost their fear. We are no longer afraid and we will continue to move forward for fair wages,” Zapata said.
On Wednesday evening, Interim President Delcy Rodriguez described the May 1 wage increase as a “responsible” increase and intended to avoid inflation, but did not disclose the amount. Many public sector workers said the announcement fell short of what it should have been, although they hoped it would quell public discontent.
“They talk about responsible increases, but this is an error and a lie,” Arzelía Castillo, secretary general of the APUFAT-UCV union representing workers at Venezuela’s central universities, told Latin American Report.
Castillo, a social worker and college professor, said the government must ensure salaries cover basic living expenses. “Workers cannot bear this and we cannot wait until May 1,” she added. Rodriguez has led the country since Maduro’s arrest, but many citizens see her as a successor to the old regime and expect new elections.
Featured Image Description: Workers participate in a protest demanding higher wages in Caracas, March 2026.
Featured image credit: Catherine Ellis
