Lima, November 18 (teleSUR-RHC)-- Riot police fired water cannon and tear gas and wielded their batons on striking workers in Lima on Monday.

Protesters from the health and judicial sectors were trying to reach the country’s Congress building to demand better salaries and working conditions. 

Healthcare staff have been carrying out protests for over a year to speak out about poor labor conditions. Their call this weekend for an indefinite strike was joined in by courtroom staff.

Authorities say the absence of administrative personnel in public health facilities has affected thousands of patients so far.

Local officials also report that emergency and intensive care rooms were still operating at major hospitals, but public clinics across the country remain closed.

In 2014, Ministry of Health workers held a 150-day-strike that ended after various agreements with the government were reached. However, this year more strikes have been staged.