Quarrelsome Chileans acting out

In the last couple years, two major issues have persisted in Chile: inequality and windfall copper profit – which is Chile’s main export. Inequality is a contentious issue that continually generates criticism today of Chile’s problems in everything from labor standards to education. The effect of inequality has found its way into politics outside of elected institutions (as can be seen in the articles below). Additionally, the price of copper, of which Chile is the world’s greatest supplier, has reached historically high levels. This seemingly unforeseen government revenue has been generally beneficial to the country; nevertheless, citizenry’s demand for action against inequality has only grown more vocal in the face of this financial accumulation. Although Chile’s unions and other non-elected actors are not as strong as in other Latin American countries, such as Mexico’s teachers union, comfort in confronting the government and the incentives to demand certain responses are correspondingly increasing.

“A worrying precedent“

“Chile labor union protest draws nationwide support“

“Schools out“