Bolivian workers march in Argentina after factory fire

Some 2,000 Bolivians took to the streets in Buenos Aires Friday demanding better labor conditions, after a factory fire killed six of their countrymen, local media reported.

The protesters blocked traffic as they marched from an industrial neighborhood to the president's offices. The peaceful protest began before midday and ended several hours later outside Argentina's Government House.

The March 30 fire, which killed six Bolivian workers, including four minors, prompted city inspectors to begin a crackdown in which 50 factories were closed and three Bolivians arrested.

The crackdown drew wide local media attention amid accusations that many laborers in Argentina were overworked and poorly paid.

The Bolivian protesters said they wanted to keep their jobs, but needed better working conditions, and called for the government to process the documents of Bolivians seeking residence more quickly.

The marchers chanted "There are no slaves here! There are workers!" and called for Argentines to support them.

A delegation from the Bolivian government is due to arrive in Argentina on Monday to investigate the legal situation and working conditions of Bolivians in Argentina.

Hundreds of thousands of Bolivians are estimated to be living in Argentina, attracted by work opportunities in the comparatively prosperous nation. Many have lived here for generations.

Source: Xinhua