The United Kingdom arm of the environmental group Extinction Rebellion on Sunday said it would change its protest tactics and would no longer stage its infamous blockades of transport networks.

In a statement titled "We quit," the group said that in four years it has been taking direct action but very little has changed.&nbsp;

Previously the group has used blockade of key roads and bridges, oil refineries, spraying fake blood over ministry buildings and smashing windows of the Barclays bank headquarters as their protest tactic.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Is Climate Litigation the way forward?

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As per Reuters, the tactic shift is an apparent attempt to bring more people on board its campaign for climate action.

"As we ring in the new year, we make a controversial resolution to temporarily shift away from public disruption as a primary tactic," said the group.

"This year, we prioritise attendance over arrest and relationships over roadblocks, as we stand together and become impossible to ignore."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/extreme-weather-events-becoming-the-new-normal-uk-conservation-group-warns-547219">Extreme weather events becoming the 'new normal', UK conservation group warns</a>

It said that currently what's needed is "to disrupt the abuse of power and imbalance" and "to bring about a transition to a fair society" which works together to end the fossil fuel era.

The group said that politicians who are "addicted to greed and bloated on profits", won't make the change without pressure.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-climate-activists-glue-themselves-to-tarmac-at-berlin-airport-urges-people-to-avoid-flying-537398">Watch | Climate activists glue themselves to tarmac at Berlin airport, urge people to avoid flying</a>

It has called on 100,000 people to join a demonstration it will hold on April 21 outside the UK parliament.&nbsp;

The government in what the group calls a "draconian attempt" is taking steps to criminalise "disruptive protests". Under the new rules police will be given greater powers to manage and prevent them.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United Kingdom arm of the environmental group Extinction Rebellion on Sunday said it would change its protest tactics and would no longer stage its infamous blockades of transport networks.

The United Kingdom arm of the environmental group Extinction Rebellion on Sunday said it would change its protest tactics and would no longer stage its infamous blockades of transport networks. In a statement titled "We quit," the group said that in four years it has been taking direct action but very little has changed. Previously the group has used blockade of key roads and bridges, oil refineries, spraying fake blood over ministry buildings and smashing windows of the Barclays bank headquarters as their protest tactic. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Is Climate Litigation the way forward? As per Reuters, the tactic shift is an apparent attempt to bring more people on board its campaign for climate action. "As we ring in the new year, we make a controversial resolution to temporarily shift away from public disruption as a primary tactic," said the group. "This year, we prioritise attendance over arrest and relationships over roadblocks, as we stand together and become impossible to ignore." Also read | Extreme weather events becoming the 'new normal', UK conservation group warns It said that currently what's needed is "to disrupt the abuse of power and imbalance" and "to bring about a transition to a fair society" which works together to end the fossil fuel era. The group said that politicians who are "addicted to greed and bloated on profits", won't make the change without pressure. Also read | Watch | Climate activists glue themselves to tarmac at Berlin airport, urge people to avoid flying It has called on 100,000 people to join a demonstration it will hold on April 21 outside the UK parliament. The government in what the group calls a "draconian attempt" is taking steps to criminalise "disruptive protests". Under the new rules police will be given greater powers to manage and prevent them. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

No more 'public disruptions' or fake blood: Environment activists Extinction Rebellion to change tactics

Protesters massed at some of Italy's major ports Friday as thousands took to the streets against the introduction of one of the world's toughest Covid pass regimes.

More than 6,500 people demonstrated at the northeastern port of Trieste, according to local government estimates, although regional president Massimiliano Fedriga insisted that "the port is working".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-against-tunisia-leader-with-government-awaited-419650">Thousands protest against Tunisia leader with government awaited</a>

Delays were reported at the northwestern port of Genoa, where about 300 people blocked an entrance, while pockets of protests broke out across Italy ahead of bigger demonstrations called for later in the day.

The government is braced for widespread disruption by Italians angry at the extension of the coronavirus "Green Pass" to all workers, after a demonstration last weekend sparked violent clashes in Rome.

From Friday, all workers must show a Green Pass offering proof of vaccination, recent recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test -- or face being declared absent without pay.

More than 85 percent of Italians over the age of 12 have received at least one jab, thus automatically qualifying for the pass.

Among those who have not been vaccinated, a minority say they either oppose the idea or are fearful. Some foreigners have also reported difficulties getting the jab, including undocumented workers.

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But up to three million workers are estimated to be unvaccinated -- and most will only be able to work if they pay for their own tests either every 48 or 72 hours, depending on the type.

Ivano Russo, director general of trade group Confetra, told AFP that out of a total of 900,000 truck drivers, couriers and warehouse staff employed by members of his lobby, "25 to 30 percent" do not have Covid certificates.

Dock workers in Trieste have threatened to go on strike indefinitely, despite being offered free Covid tests.&nbsp;

"Citizens not puppets" and "No Green Pass, No Discrimination" read some of the placards in the crowd gathered Friday.

In Genoa, the small blockade was peaceful early Friday, according to an AFP journalist, although some truck drivers reported delays.

"Today it's really hard to unload," Marco, a 50-year-old driver, told the ANSA news agency.

"I have to unload, I have to be able to work. I took the vaccine to get the Green Pass because I have to work."

Downloading passes&nbsp;

Prime Minister Mario Draghi's government says the pass will help prevent further lockdowns in Italy, one of the European countries hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

Business lobby Confindustria has been among the staunchest backers of the measure, which follows a similar initiative adopted in Greece last month, saying it would "create workplaces that are as safe as possible".

Introduced in August, initially for museums and indoor dining, it has also had the effect of boosting vaccinations, and rates of infection currently remain low.

The eurozone's third largest economy is expected to record almost six percent growth this year after a devastating Covid-induced recession.&nbsp;

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Ahead of the extension of the Green Pass to workplaces, more than 560,000 certificates were downloaded on Wednesday and around 860,000 Thursday, according to government data.

However, there are concerns there is not enough capacity for everyone who is not vaccinated to have regular Covid tests, raising the prospect of mass absenteeism from work.

Anyone caught in the workplace without a Green Pass risks fines ranging from 600 to 1,500 euros ($700 to 1700).

And those who fail to turn up for work because they don't have one face suspension on no pay -- but cannot be fired.

Meanwhile, employers can be fined 400 to 1,000 euros for not checking if their staff comply with the rules.&nbsp;

Trade unions initially called for compulsory vaccinations to avoid discrimination between those who were and were not jabbed.

They are now pushing for free tests, saying staff should not have to pay to go to work, although ministers so far seem unlikely to agree.

Protesters massed at some of Italy's major ports Friday as thousands took to the streets against the introduction of one of the world's toughest Covid pass regimes.

Protesters massed at some of Italy's major ports Friday as thousands took to the streets against the introduction of one of the world's toughest Covid pass regimes. More than 6,500 people demonstrated at the northeastern port of Trieste, according to local government estimates, although regional president Massimiliano Fedriga insisted that "the port is working". Also Read | Thousands protest against Tunisia leader with government awaited Delays were reported at the northwestern port of Genoa, where about 300 people blocked an entrance, while pockets of protests broke out across Italy ahead of bigger demonstrations called for later in the day. The government is braced for widespread disruption by Italians angry at the extension of the coronavirus "Green Pass" to all workers, after a demonstration last weekend sparked violent clashes in Rome. From Friday, all workers must show a Green Pass offering proof of vaccination, recent recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test -- or face being declared absent without pay. More than 85 percent of Italians over the age of 12 have received at least one jab, thus automatically qualifying for the pass. Among those who have not been vaccinated, a minority say they either oppose the idea or are fearful. Some foreigners have also reported difficulties getting the jab, including undocumented workers. Also Read | Italy starts administering Covid booster shots to people over 60 But up to three million workers are estimated to be unvaccinated -- and most will only be able to work if they pay for their own tests either every 48 or 72 hours, depending on the type. Ivano Russo, director general of trade group Confetra, told AFP that out of a total of 900,000 truck drivers, couriers and warehouse staff employed by members of his lobby, "25 to 30 percent" do not have Covid certificates. Dock workers in Trieste have threatened to go on strike indefinitely, despite being offered free Covid tests. "Citizens not puppets" and "No Green Pass, No Discrimination" read some of the placards in the crowd gathered Friday. In Genoa, the small blockade was peaceful early Friday, according to an AFP journalist, although some truck drivers reported delays. "Today it's really hard to unload," Marco, a 50-year-old driver, told the ANSA news agency. "I have to unload, I have to be able to work. I took the vaccine to get the Green Pass because I have to work." Downloading passes Prime Minister Mario Draghi's government says the pass will help prevent further lockdowns in Italy, one of the European countries hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Business lobby Confindustria has been among the staunchest backers of the measure, which follows a similar initiative adopted in Greece last month, saying it would "create workplaces that are as safe as possible". Introduced in August, initially for museums and indoor dining, it has also had the effect of boosting vaccinations, and rates of infection currently remain low. The eurozone's third largest economy is expected to record almost six percent growth this year after a devastating Covid-induced recession. Also Read | Humanitarian crisis in focus as Italy hosts G20 Afghan summit Ahead of the extension of the Green Pass to workplaces, more than 560,000 certificates were downloaded on Wednesday and around 860,000 Thursday, according to government data. However, there are concerns there is not enough capacity for everyone who is not vaccinated to have regular Covid tests, raising the prospect of mass absenteeism from work. Anyone caught in the workplace without a Green Pass risks fines ranging from 600 to 1,500 euros ($700 to 1700). And those who fail to turn up for work because they don't have one face suspension on no pay -- but cannot be fired. Meanwhile, employers can be fined 400 to 1,000 euros for not checking if their staff comply with the rules. Trade unions initially called for compulsory vaccinations to avoid discrimination between those who were and were not jabbed. They are now pushing for free tests, saying staff should not have to pay to go to work, although ministers so far seem unlikely to agree.

Protests and blockades greet new Italy Covid rules

Road blockades connected to weeks of anti-government protests in Colombia will be lifted by security forces in coordination with mayors and provincial governors, President Ivan Duque said on Monday.&nbsp;

The deadly demonstrations, originally called in late April against a now-canceled tax plan, have expanded to include demands like a basic income, an end to police violence and opportunities for young people.&nbsp;

The blockades, many erected by local demonstrators or truckers, have caused shortages of food and gasoline across the country, especially in the city of Cali, an epicenter of protests. The government says some are connected to criminal and guerrilla groups, which it also blames for sparking looting and other violence.&nbsp;

Duque said he had ordered "the increase of all operational capacity of our public security forces on the ground to, together with mayors and governors, unblock the roads of our country with strict adherence to human rights."&nbsp;

The government will also subsidize 25% of the minimum wage for workers between 18 and 28 years old for at least a year, Duque said in a video, in an effort to encourage employers to hire young people.&nbsp;

Vandalism and the blockades have cost the economy about $1.6 billion, while road closures had halted the transport of 700,000 tonnes of food, the government said last week.&nbsp;

The number of deaths connected to the protests is disputed. The attorney general's office says just 15 deaths are tied directly to demonstrations, but human rights groups allege the toll is about two dozen people higher.&nbsp;

Government representatives were meeting late on Monday with representatives from the national strike committee, made up of unions, student groups and others, to agree to terms for a negotiation the government hopes will curb marches.&nbsp;

Protests continued over the weekend and into a federal holiday on Monday, with deaths reported in several smaller cities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Road blockades connected to weeks of anti-government protests in Colombia will be lifted by security forces in coordination with mayors and provincial governors, President Ivan Duque said on Monday.

Road blockades connected to weeks of anti-government protests in Colombia will be lifted by security forces in coordination with mayors and provincial governors, President Ivan Duque said on Monday. The deadly demonstrations, originally called in late April against a now-canceled tax plan, have expanded to include demands like a basic income, an end to police violence and opportunities for young people. The blockades, many erected by local demonstrators or truckers, have caused shortages of food and gasoline across the country, especially in the city of Cali, an epicenter of protests. The government says some are connected to criminal and guerrilla groups, which it also blames for sparking looting and other violence. Duque said he had ordered "the increase of all operational capacity of our public security forces on the ground to, together with mayors and governors, unblock the roads of our country with strict adherence to human rights." The government will also subsidize 25% of the minimum wage for workers between 18 and 28 years old for at least a year, Duque said in a video, in an effort to encourage employers to hire young people. Vandalism and the blockades have cost the economy about $1.6 billion, while road closures had halted the transport of 700,000 tonnes of food, the government said last week. The number of deaths connected to the protests is disputed. The attorney general's office says just 15 deaths are tied directly to demonstrations, but human rights groups allege the toll is about two dozen people higher. Government representatives were meeting late on Monday with representatives from the national strike committee, made up of unions, student groups and others, to agree to terms for a negotiation the government hopes will curb marches. Protests continued over the weekend and into a federal holiday on Monday, with deaths reported in several smaller cities. (With inputs from agencies)

Colombia president says security forces to lift road blockades 

Peru's Congress on Friday repealed a farming law that had triggered days of roadblocks and other protests by striking workers.

The protesters erupted with joy and immediately began lifting the blockades that had choked many stretches of the north-south Pan-American Highway.

"We did it!" protesters chanted at one blockade site in Ica, around 155 miles (250 kilometers) south of Lima. There, an estimated 2,000 trucks and buses had been stuck for days.

The strikers were demanding wage increases and the repeal of a decades-old law, recently extended until 2031, that sought to boost farm exports and gave exporters tax breaks. The strikers also said it set their wages unfairly low.

President Francisco Sagasti sent a bill to congress Friday to repeal the law in the face of the five days of protests, and it passed by a vote of 114 in favor, two against and seven abstentions.

On Thursday, police opened fire on one group of protesting farm workers, killing one, in the first labor dispute confronting Sagasti.

Sagasti took power just two weeks ago amid an acute political crisis during which Peru had three presidents in just one week.

Peru's Congress on Friday repealed a farming law that had triggered days of roadblocks and other protests by striking workers. The protesters erupted with joy and immediately began lifting the blockades that had choked many stretches of the north-south Pan-American Highway.

Peru's Congress on Friday repealed a farming law that had triggered days of roadblocks and other protests by striking workers. The protesters erupted with joy and immediately began lifting the blockades that had choked many stretches of the north-south Pan-American Highway. "We did it!" protesters chanted at one blockade site in Ica, around 155 miles (250 kilometers) south of Lima. There, an estimated 2,000 trucks and buses had been stuck for days. The strikers were demanding wage increases and the repeal of a decades-old law, recently extended until 2031, that sought to boost farm exports and gave exporters tax breaks. The strikers also said it set their wages unfairly low. President Francisco Sagasti sent a bill to congress Friday to repeal the law in the face of the five days of protests, and it passed by a vote of 114 in favor, two against and seven abstentions. On Thursday, police opened fire on one group of protesting farm workers, killing one, in the first labor dispute confronting Sagasti. Sagasti took power just two weeks ago amid an acute political crisis during which Peru had three presidents in just one week.

Peru repeals farm law after days of road blockades

Sporadic incidents of violence in West Bengal and Kerala and rail blockades in certain states were witnessed Wednesday on the second day of Bharat Bandh, which also saw a partial disruption of banking and insurance services across the country.

Other sectors like mining, road transport, power supply too bore the brunt of the strike call given by country's 10 major central trade unions, except RSS affiliate Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, to protest against the government's alleged anti-labour policies and unilateral labour reforms. They had given a call for a two-day Bharat Bandh on January 8 and 9.

Stray incidents of violence were reported from various parts of West Bengal Wednesday. Stones were pelted at school buses in Howrah district. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharat-bandh-school-bus-attacked-in-west-bengal-buses-autos-stay-off-roads-in-kerala-189025">Similar incidents were reported on Tuesday as well</a>. There were similar incidents of stone pelting in other parts of the state too.

In Kerala, a treasury branch of the State Bank of India in Thiruvananthapuram was attacked and trains were blocked in various parts of the state on the second day of the strike.

At the Thiruvananthapuram railway station, Thiruvananthapuram-Hyderabad Sabari Express and Venad Express were stopped, while the Kottayam-Nilambur passenger train in Kalamassery was held up for a while.&nbsp;

At many places in Kerala, shops and commercial establishments remained shut, and buses and auto-rickshaws were also off roads in the state.&nbsp;

Trains were stopped by protesters at a few places in Tamil Nadu and banking services in some public sector banks interrupted in Telangana but life largely remained unaffected on Wednesday.

However, some impact of the strike was seen in Goa as private buses and tourist taxis remained off roads. Long queues of passengers were seen at various bus stands after the private buses association in the state shut operations.

In Mumbai, lakhs of commuters faced hardships as an indefinite strike called by BEST, the city's civic transport undertaking, continued. There were only five buses plying on city roads.

Over 32,000 BEST employees went on an indefinite strike Tuesday over various demands, including higher salaries.

Causing severe inconvenience to commuters in Bengaluru, hundreds of protesters from the Left trade unions disrupted bus services at Majestic, the Central Bus Stand, here. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses also remained stationed in their respective depots across the state as protesters damaged the vehicles.

Train services in Eastern Railway zone were disrupted Wednesday after supporters of the Bandh resorted to blockades at many places. A suspected bomb was found on the railway tracks at Ashoknagar in Sealdah-Bongaon section that led to the suspension of train services in the route.

In Odisha, train services were hit on the second day of the strike as trade union activists staged 'rail roko' at several places including Bhubaneswar, Balasore and Berhampur. Several trains were delayed due to blockade of railway tracks by strike supporters, leaving a large number of passengers stranded at many places.

Many states invoked essential services maintenance laws while the Centre had issued a stern warning to refrain from the stir Tuesday.&nbsp;

Banking services were also partially affected for the second day, as a section of PSU bank employees came in support of the strike call.

All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA) and Bank Employees' Federation of India (BEFI) have supported the strike, which has impacted banking operation where these two unions are strong.

However, the operation in SBI and private sector banks remained unaffected as other seven unions in the banking sector are not part of the strike.

According to AIBEA General Secretary C H Venkatachalam, cash transactions, clearance of cheques, remittances, bills discounting and foreign exchange transactions were impacted.

Cheques worth about Rs 20,000 crore could not be cleared by clearinghouses all over the country on Tuesday, he claimed.

Hind Mazdoor Sabha General Secretary Harbhajan Singh Sidhu said there is 100 per cent strike in Assam, Bihar, Odisha, Manipur, Meghalaya, Maharashtra and Goa and mining activity was almost stopped across the country.

"We got a good response in industrial areas in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan as well. In our protest march from Mandi House to Parliament in the capital, around 4,000 workers came on the road to express their anguish...," he added.

He also said that there was a 100 per cent strike in 22 districts of Madhya Pradesh and 20 districts of Karnataka.&nbsp;

According to unions, the strike was affected due to UGC exams, which started from Tuesday as some state transport departments decided not to participate completely in the strike in the interest of students. The exams were scheduled in some states on Wednesday as well.&nbsp;

They have alleged that the government has failed to create jobs and grossly ignored unions' 12-point charter of demands.

They also said that Group of Ministers headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on labour issues has not called unions for any discussion since September 2, 2015, strike which left them with no other option but to go on another strike.

Farming communities, through their associations, have also extended support to the strike. Student and teacher organisations of various universities have also declared support, the statement had said.&nbsp;

Sporadic incidents of violence in West Bengal and Kerala and rail blockades in certain states were witnessed Wednesday on the second day of Bharat Bandh, which also saw a partial disruption of banking and insurance services across the country.

Sporadic incidents of violence in West Bengal and Kerala and rail blockades in certain states were witnessed Wednesday on the second day of Bharat Bandh, which also saw a partial disruption of banking and insurance services across the country. Other sectors like mining, road transport, power supply too bore the brunt of the strike call given by country's 10 major central trade unions, except RSS affiliate Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, to protest against the government's alleged anti-labour policies and unilateral labour reforms. They had given a call for a two-day Bharat Bandh on January 8 and 9. Stray incidents of violence were reported from various parts of West Bengal Wednesday. Stones were pelted at school buses in Howrah district. Similar incidents were reported on Tuesday as well. There were similar incidents of stone pelting in other parts of the state too. In Kerala, a treasury branch of the State Bank of India in Thiruvananthapuram was attacked and trains were blocked in various parts of the state on the second day of the strike. At the Thiruvananthapuram railway station, Thiruvananthapuram-Hyderabad Sabari Express and Venad Express were stopped, while the Kottayam-Nilambur passenger train in Kalamassery was held up for a while. At many places in Kerala, shops and commercial establishments remained shut, and buses and auto-rickshaws were also off roads in the state. Trains were stopped by protesters at a few places in Tamil Nadu and banking services in some public sector banks interrupted in Telangana but life largely remained unaffected on Wednesday. However, some impact of the strike was seen in Goa as private buses and tourist taxis remained off roads. Long queues of passengers were seen at various bus stands after the private buses association in the state shut operations. In Mumbai, lakhs of commuters faced hardships as an indefinite strike called by BEST, the city's civic transport undertaking, continued. There were only five buses plying on city roads. Over 32,000 BEST employees went on an indefinite strike Tuesday over various demands, including higher salaries. Causing severe inconvenience to commuters in Bengaluru, hundreds of protesters from the Left trade unions disrupted bus services at Majestic, the Central Bus Stand, here. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses also remained stationed in their respective depots across the state as protesters damaged the vehicles. Train services in Eastern Railway zone were disrupted Wednesday after supporters of the Bandh resorted to blockades at many places. A suspected bomb was found on the railway tracks at Ashoknagar in Sealdah-Bongaon section that led to the suspension of train services in the route. In Odisha, train services were hit on the second day of the strike as trade union activists staged 'rail roko' at several places including Bhubaneswar, Balasore and Berhampur. Several trains were delayed due to blockade of railway tracks by strike supporters, leaving a large number of passengers stranded at many places. Many states invoked essential services maintenance laws while the Centre had issued a stern warning to refrain from the stir Tuesday. Banking services were also partially affected for the second day, as a section of PSU bank employees came in support of the strike call. All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA) and Bank Employees' Federation of India (BEFI) have supported the strike, which has impacted banking operation where these two unions are strong. However, the operation in SBI and private sector banks remained unaffected as other seven unions in the banking sector are not part of the strike. According to AIBEA General Secretary C H Venkatachalam, cash transactions, clearance of cheques, remittances, bills discounting and foreign exchange transactions were impacted. Cheques worth about Rs 20,000 crore could not be cleared by clearinghouses all over the country on Tuesday, he claimed. Hind Mazdoor Sabha General Secretary Harbhajan Singh Sidhu said there is 100 per cent strike in Assam, Bihar, Odisha, Manipur, Meghalaya, Maharashtra and Goa and mining activity was almost stopped across the country. "We got a good response in industrial areas in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan as well. In our protest march from Mandi House to Parliament in the capital, around 4,000 workers came on the road to express their anguish...," he added. He also said that there was a 100 per cent strike in 22 districts of Madhya Pradesh and 20 districts of Karnataka. According to unions, the strike was affected due to UGC exams, which started from Tuesday as some state transport departments decided not to participate completely in the strike in the interest of students. The exams were scheduled in some states on Wednesday as well. They have alleged that the government has failed to create jobs and grossly ignored unions' 12-point charter of demands. They also said that Group of Ministers headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on labour issues has not called unions for any discussion since September 2, 2015, strike which left them with no other option but to go on another strike. Farming communities, through their associations, have also extended support to the strike. Student and teacher organisations of various universities have also declared support, the statement had said.

Day 2 of Bharat Bandh: Bank attacked in Kerala, stones pelted at school buses in WB

Mexico&#39;s air force flew tonnes of grain to the southern state of Oaxaca on Friday as protests by teachers opposed to education reform spread across the country and road blocks led to dwindling food supplies in some remote regions. 
 
Tension in the state intensified after eight people died last month in clashes between police and the protesting teachers, and unrest has flared throughout Mexico. 
 
Local media reported protests by factions of Mexico&#39;s the Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educaci?n (CNTE) teachers union on Friday in the states of Guerrero, Oaxaca, Michoacan, Chiapas, Nuevo Leon and in Mexico City. 
 
The union has blockaded 11 highways in Oaxaca, a hotbed of dissent for protesters opposing President Enrique Pena Nieto&#39;s education reform that allows the federal government to remove teachers who fail evaluation exams. 
 
The protests have prevented food trucks from reaching remote coastal villages in Oaxaca, where some of Mexico&#39;s poorest people live, the country&#39;s federal food distribution chief Juan Manuel Valle said. 
 
Valle said 108 tonnes of corn would be flown in on a Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft by the end of the weekend, with additional provisions on standby in case the situation deteriorated. 
 
Araceli Hern?ndez Ramirez, manager of a grocery store in Puente de Coyula, a small town of some 500 inhabitants close to the beach resort of Huatulco, and located about 146 miles (235 kilometres) from the state capital, said she had no rice, corn or flour. 
 
&quot;There are no products,&quot; said Hernandez, waiting for a shipment from Diconsa to supply customers. &quot;They go home empty-handed.&quot; 
 
Fifty tonnes of corn were also sent from the neighbouring state of Guerrero by truck, in addition to regular shipments of beans, and rice. 
 
On Friday, Mexico&#39;s secretary of the interior promised action against the blockades in Oaxaca, saying dialogue with teachers&#39; unions could not continue without respect for citizens&#39; rights. 
 
&quot;Blockades and public damage must end,&quot; Miguel Osorio Chong said. &quot;Therefore, soon, we will be taking necessary decisions to allow traffic on strategic routes and supplies for communities.&quot; 
 
He did not specify what action the government would take. 
 
Osorio said the protests affected thousands of families, forcing businesses in Oaxaca and neighbouring Chiapas to close and impeding shipments of medicine. 
 
A spokesperson for the CNTE union could not be immediately reached for comment. 
 
The protests have affected fuel distribution in parts of Oaxaca, but a Pemex official said operations at Salina Cruz, the company&#39;s largest refinery, had not been affected. 
 
(Reuters)

Eight died last month in clashes between police and the protesters. The growing unrest has prevented poor, remote villages from getting food

Mexico's air force flew tonnes of grain to the southern state of Oaxaca on Friday as protests by teachers opposed to education reform spread across the country and road blocks led to dwindling food supplies in some remote regions. Tension in the state intensified after eight people died last month in clashes between police and the protesting teachers, and unrest has flared throughout Mexico. Local media reported protests by factions of Mexico's the Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educaci?n (CNTE) teachers union on Friday in the states of Guerrero, Oaxaca, Michoacan, Chiapas, Nuevo Leon and in Mexico City. The union has blockaded 11 highways in Oaxaca, a hotbed of dissent for protesters opposing President Enrique Pena Nieto's education reform that allows the federal government to remove teachers who fail evaluation exams. The protests have prevented food trucks from reaching remote coastal villages in Oaxaca, where some of Mexico's poorest people live, the country's federal food distribution chief Juan Manuel Valle said. Valle said 108 tonnes of corn would be flown in on a Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft by the end of the weekend, with additional provisions on standby in case the situation deteriorated. Araceli Hern?ndez Ramirez, manager of a grocery store in Puente de Coyula, a small town of some 500 inhabitants close to the beach resort of Huatulco, and located about 146 miles (235 kilometres) from the state capital, said she had no rice, corn or flour. "There are no products," said Hernandez, waiting for a shipment from Diconsa to supply customers. "They go home empty-handed." Fifty tonnes of corn were also sent from the neighbouring state of Guerrero by truck, in addition to regular shipments of beans, and rice. On Friday, Mexico's secretary of the interior promised action against the blockades in Oaxaca, saying dialogue with teachers' unions could not continue without respect for citizens' rights. "Blockades and public damage must end," Miguel Osorio Chong said. "Therefore, soon, we will be taking necessary decisions to allow traffic on strategic routes and supplies for communities." He did not specify what action the government would take. Osorio said the protests affected thousands of families, forcing businesses in Oaxaca and neighbouring Chiapas to close and impeding shipments of medicine. A spokesperson for the CNTE union could not be immediately reached for comment. The protests have affected fuel distribution in parts of Oaxaca, but a Pemex official said operations at Salina Cruz, the company's largest refinery, had not been affected. (Reuters)

Mexico air lifts food into villages as teacher blockades spread

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