Labor Protests Block Coca-Cola Plants in Venezuela

Current and former workers blocked access to all four bottling plants owned in Venezuela by Mexico’s Coca-Cola Femsa to protest against contract irregularities and non-payment of social security obligations. The company denied the charges and publicly criticized legislators loyal to President Hugo Chavez for joining the illegal protest of as many as 15,000 people. The plant was able to keep working, although at a reduced capacity.