Venezuela's Guaido in talks with unions to call public sector strike

Venezuela opposition leader Juan Guaido said on Tuesday (March 5) he was in talks with unions about calling strikes for state workers in a bid to paralyse the public sector, tightening pressure on a weakened President Nicolas Maduro by targeting his key support base.

The strikes would seek to capitalize on the opposition's momentum spurred by Guaido's triumphant return to Venezuela on Monday, after he flouted a travel ban to tour Latin American countries to muster support for his campaign to oust Maduro.

While Guaido had publicly speculated that authorities would detain him when he returned, he passed through Caracas' international airport without a problem.

Guaido has called on state officials, who have been historically pressured by the ruling Socialist Party to publicly back Maduro, to disavow the government, and has promised future amnesties for those that do.

Guaido, recognised by most Western nations as Venezuela's legitimate head of state, said the strikes would be staggered and aim to paralyse the public sector.