Haiti: Teachers launch nationwide strike January 28-29

Event

The Haitian Teachers Unions Platform (PSEH) started a two-day strike on Monday, January 28, to denounce poor working conditions for teachers and a reduced budget for the education sector in the 2019 budget. Associated demonstrations are possible in urban areas throughout Haiti, particularly in Port-au-Prince; however, as of midday (local time) on Monday, specific details regarding any protests have not been announced. Heightened security measures and traffic disruptions are to be expected around any protest site.

Context

PSEH is made up of several teachers’ unions including the National Confederation of Teachers (CNEH), the Teachers in Action Struggle Group (GIEL), and the National Union of Normaliens and Educators of Haiti (UNNOEH). The unions are opposing the government’s proposed 2019 national budget that will reduce the non-significant budget for the education sector from 16 percent to less than 12 percent.

Advice

Individuals in Haiti, particularly in Port-au-Prince, are advised to keep abreast of the situation, strictly avoid all protests due to the likelihood of violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments (e.g. travel restrictions).