Clashes with riot police erupted on Thursday (April 9) in Caracas when a march by state workers demanding a pay rise encountered blockades on its way to the Miraflores presidential palace.

The march, which brought together union members, workers, and students, was protesting wages, which have not increased since 2022.

Protesters clashed with a line of shielded officers as they approached the government palace in downtown Caracas, leading to shoving and the throwing of objects.

Venezuela's minimum monthly wage has been set at 130 bolivars since March 2022, equivalent to just a few cents, although many public employees earn more through bonuses and other payments that can raise their monthly income to about $150.

On Wednesday (April 8), Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodríguez announced a "responsible increase" in workers' income starting May 1, without specifying the amount of the wage increase.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

CARACAS, VENEZUELA (APRIL 9, 2026) (REUTERS – Access all)

1. VARIOUS OF WORKERS CLASHING WITH SHIELDED POLICE

2. OBJECTS BEING THROWN AT THE POLICE

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER, EDGAR GUEVARA, SAYING:

"They're attacking us, they're hitting us, but we will go after this dictatorship because today, it's over. They've hurt us with their shields, ladies and gentlemen, and the elderly people. Police are hurting us with shields, but we will not give up, we're here for life, we will give our lives here."

4. VARIOUS OF CLASHES BETWEEN RIOT POLICE AND PROTESTERS

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) RETIREE, CESAR GRANADO, SAYING:

The people can't stand it anymore. This is a peaceful march. We're going to Miraflores to tell those governing this country that enough is enough. Please, we want a decent salary. The people, retirees, people receiving pensions, all the people can't stand it anymore, this scarcity and poverty. Dear comrades, 130 bolivares (USD 0.27) don't even go far enough to buy a candy."

6. PROTESTERS CLASHING WITH THE POLICE

7. PROTESTER SHOWING BLEEDING INJURY

8. VARIOUS OF MARCH IN PROGRESS

9. SIGN READING (Spanish): “Decent salary now”

10. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PUBLIC WORKER, RUBEN GONZALEZ, SAYING:

“All workers and guilds go to Miraflores to demand Delcy Rodriguez, who said would increase salaries responibly—the only irresponsible here is you, you’re the great irresponsible who take from workers all their profits.”

11. VARIOUS OF PROTESTERS MARCHING WITH VENEZUELAN FLAGS AND VUVUZELAS