Peru protest turns violent

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Public workers in Peru clashed with police in Lima Thursday (May 30) as they protested a bill slated for debate in Congress that would establish a new system to evaluate workers in the public sector.

Peru's General Confederation of Workers, or CGTP, union group was joined by other workers in an indefinite strike which started Wednesday (May 28) to protest the Civil Services Law.

Union leaders said job security was at risk and that the bill could affect more than 300,000 public sector jobs as the government looks to streamline agencies and make the public sector more efficient.

Demonstrators were not permitted to gather in the central plaza outside the presidential palace and police used tear gas, water cannon and mounted officers to disperse the crowds.

Among the protesters was a heavy presence of educational administrators who have been vocal about their oppos