Tensions mount as Bolivian police go on strike

2012-06-22 14

ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)

STORY: A strike by low ranking police officers was spreading in Bolivia on Friday (June 22) as officers forcefully occupied stations in La Paz and Santa Cruz.

They are calling for higher salaries and more benefits. Police earn a base salary of $188 a month, and don't have life insurance or a pension plan. The top salary for officers with over 15 years of service is $298 a month.

Government minister Carlos Romero has said President Evo Morales' administration is not able to meet the salary demands.