02 Oct 2018 | 09:42 AM UTC
Chad: Civil servant strike disrupts back-to-school day October 1 /update 1
Public sector, including schools and health services, continues to be affected by an ongoing strike as of October 2; related protests possible
Event
An indefinite national strike launched by civil servant unions on May 28 continues as of Tuesday, October 2. Labor unions voted on Monday to continue the strike until the government addresses their concerns, notably surrounding salary reductions. The strike has disrupted the back-to-school day initially scheduled to take place on Monday; health services also remain affected. Associated protests are likely.
Context
Austerity measures have been implemented to reduce public spending since the fall in oil prices, including cutting public worker salaries by up to 50 percent. In March, the government had agreed to pay salary arrears by the end of May to end a similar previous strike, which it has failed to do.
Advice
Individuals in Chad are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests as a precaution due to the risk of violence, and adhere to advice issued by local authorities or their home governments.
