Workers protest against low pensions
Chilean workers have staged a huge rally in the capital Santiago to protest against the government's pension system.
On Sunday, more than 100,000 Chileans marched through the city, armed with posters and paintings, while ringing bells and blowing whistles.
Similar protests were held in several other cities across Chile.
Chilean protesters stage huge rally to protest against the Pension Fund Administrator (AFP) in the capital Santiago on July 24, 2016. (AFP Photo)
The protesters claim the current pension system, created during the reign of former president Augusto Pinochet (1973-1990), is unfair and compensates workers with very low payments.
The Administradoras de Fondos de Pensiones (AFP) gets 13% of workers’ salaries during their working lives.
Pensioners claim the remuneration received from AFP afterwards, during retirement, is less than the amount paid in terms of value.
The protests were organized by the workers’ Coordinadora de Trabajadores (Labor Union).
Julia Miranda, an indignant Chilean worker, described AFP as a "bloodsucking” organization, “that robs us of our savings”.
Protesters demanded a return to the pension system that existed before 1981, when the AFP was created.
"It's a shame. Chile is the laughing stock of the world for its continued use of this system of provisional savings in the AFP, which at the end pays us miserable pensions," said Luis Messina, a spokesman for the group 'NO+AFP'.
Socialist President Michelle Bachelet has established a commission to draft a series of proposals to reform the current pension system.
Last year, the reforms proposed by the commission sparked debate among critics and supporters of the AFP.
Iran reiterates solidarity with Cuba against US sanctions
Hamas praises Nicaragua for cutting diplomatic relations with Israel
Nicaragua breaks off diplomatic ties with Israel over Gaza genocide
Latest ballots polls show Harris, Trump tied as voting continues
UNRWA warns of humanitarian collapse in Gaza
'Hello my enemies': Lebanese journalist on Israeli threats and his resolve to continue
Outrage in France as MP proposes bill to ban criticism of Israel
VIDEO | The strategy of Hezbollah in war
Israeli military withdraws several brigades from southern Lebanon: Report
48-year-old Palestinian man serving 48 life terms completes 22 years in Israeli jails
From MKO to Tondar, how Germany became safe haven for anti-Iran terror groups
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
