The National Federation of Mine and Steel Workers, a federation of mining unions in Peru, has called for a general strike to begin on March 15. The national strike is designed to protest rising layoffs. The country, which produces silver, copper, zinc, and other metals, has been hit hard with falling commodity prices due to the economic slowdown. The unions claim 5,500 jobs have been lost since December. Other strike demands include lifting government caps on profit sharing, and better work conditions.
See "Peru mining unions call for a nationwide strike", February 1, 2009