05 Aug 2018 | 07:15 AM UTC
Guinea-Bissau: Civil servant strike ends August 3 /update 4
Union announces end of civil servant strike on August 3 following talks with the government; negotiations are ongoing and further protests are possible
Event
The National Union of Workers of Guinea-Bissau (UNTG) announced on Friday, August 3, that civil servants have ended their strike and will suspend further actions. According to UNTG leaders, the strike was called off after the government agreed to increase minimum monthly wages from USD 33.91 (19,200 CFA francs) to USD 88.17 (50,000 CFA francs) starting in September. Prime Minister Aristide Gomes said that all parties had agreed to the pay raise but that negotiations are still ongoing. Further protests and strikes are possible in the coming weeks if talks break down.
Context
In June the UNTG launched several strikes before holding weekly multi-day work stoppages in July to demand salary increases. Employees of national public media outlets also launched a three-day strike in mid-July in support of the UNTG.
Advice
Individuals in Guinea-Bissau, particularly the capital Bissau, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations and protests due to the risk of violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.
