Home / Nov 1, 2026 / story · Labor

Unions mark Trade Unionist Day 37 years after the FENASTRAS bombing and speak out against changes to the working day

Summary

Labor organizations marked Salvadoran Trade Unionist Day on October 31, which commemorates the bombing of the National Trade Union Federation of Salvadoran Workers (FENASTRAS) on October 31, 1989, in which several union members were killed, according to Diario Co Latino. The groups gathered at Parque Cuscatlán and at the monument in La Bermeja Cemetery, and spoke out against a reform that, they say, would raise the working day to 11 hours with three days off a week; they also called for decent pensions and relief on the cost of the basic food basket. Labor Minister Rolando Castro took part in a commemoration event and said: "You have the support of the Labor Minister and of union unity to keep working for the rights of the working class" (our translation), according to Diario La Página.

Sources

Our own summary based on the linked sources. Open them for full details. · November 1, 2026

Related

The first lady signs a memorandum with Cambridge University Press & Assessment on early childhood education

First lady Gabriela de Bukele signed a memorandum of understanding with Cambridge University Press & Assessment, part of the University of Cambridge, to consolidate the early childhood education model, according to the Press Secretariat, Diario La Página, Diario El Mundo and Infobae. According to Diario El Mundo, the agreement was signed in Cambridge, England. The memorandum sets three priorities: researching the impact of the National Play Strategy on children's learning and socio-emotional well-being, ensuring the transition from first to second grade, and moving toward formal academic recognition of the New National Curriculum. "This collaboration with one of the most prestigious universities in the world is a great opportunity to continue improving our children's education" (our translation), the first lady said, according to the Press Secretariat.

Diario La Página +3 · Nov 4, 2026

The Education Ministry starts training 5,000 principals of early childhood schools

The Education Ministry began a training program for 5,000 principals of schools that serve early childhood students, elsalvador.com and Infobae reported. The training aims to prepare principals to implement the National Early Childhood Curriculum. The program is organized in two cohorts of about 2,500 participants each. According to elsalvador.com, the launch took place at seven venues with principals from all 14 departments.

elsalvador.com +1 · Nov 4, 2026

Electoral tribunal swears in the overseas-vote board and the 14 departmental boards for the 2027 elections

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) on Saturday, October 31, swore in the members of the Overseas Vote Electoral Board (JELVEX) and the 14 Departmental Electoral Boards (JED) ahead of the general elections on February 28, 2027, according to Diario El Mundo and Diario Co Latino. Co Latino notes it is the first time the TSE has sworn in the JELVEX, following reforms that create an electoral district for Salvadorans abroad. According to El Mundo, the JELVEX has three members, nominated by Nuevas Ideas, ARENA and the FMLN, and is in charge of the automated preliminary count. TSE president Roxana Soriano said that "trust in an electoral process is built from its preparation" (our translation). El Mundo reported that Vamos secretary general Cesia Rivas said only two full members of the JELVEX attended.

Diario El Mundo +1 · Nov 2, 2026

Families fill cemeteries on the eve of All Souls' Day, with police and armed forces deployed

On Sunday, November 1, Salvadoran families went to cemeteries to clean, paint and decorate with flowers the graves of their loved ones ahead of All Souls' Day, which is observed on November 2. Infobae describes the crowds at Los Ilustres Cemetery in San Salvador Centro and notes that the municipal cemeteries of San Salvador Centro have special hours from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. According to La Página, municipal markets, including the Mercado Municipal Modelo, are extending their hours for the sale of flowers and arrangements. The PNC reported a police presence at cemeteries such as Los Ilustres, La Bermeja, Jardines del Recuerdo, Las Parcelas and the municipal cemeteries of Soyapango and Santa Tecla, and said its Traffic Division is managing access to Jardines del Recuerdo on the road toward Comalapa. The Armed Forces said its soldiers are also at cemeteries in Santa Ana, Sonsonate, Morazán and Usulután.

Infobae +4 · Nov 1, 2026

Vice President Félix Ulloa bids farewell to China's ambassador, Zhang Yanhui, as his mission in El Salvador ends

Vice President Félix Ulloa received the ambassador of the People's Republic of China to El Salvador, Zhang Yanhui, on the occasion of the end of his diplomatic mission in the country, La Página and Contrapunto reported. During the meeting, Ulloa recognized the diplomat's work and his contribution to strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Contrapunto notes that El Salvador and the People's Republic of China established diplomatic relations in August 2018, under the government of Salvador Sánchez Cerén. Neither outlet reported who will succeed Zhang in the post.

Diario La Página +1 · Nov 1, 2026