Lebanon: Unionized workers suspend plan to hold a nationwide strike and protests Dec. 16 /update 1

Event

Members of the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers (CGTL), an umbrella organization that includes 43 unions and labor federations, have suspended their plan for a nationwide strike and demonstrations. The decision to suspend the labor action, which had originally been slated for Dec. 16, came after the government agreed to delay reducing subsidies on essential goods, such as food, fuel, and medicine.

Context

The call for a general strike and associated protests came amid ongoing nationwide anti-government demonstrations. Lebanese political parties have failed to form a new government after the Aug. 4 explosion at the Port of Beirut. The ongoing political deadlock has further delayed long-awaited reforms and exacerbated the country's political and economic crisis. Worsening unemployment, currency devaluation, and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has further compounded Lebanon's problems, increasing the potential for civil unrest. Nationwide demonstrations and strikes to condemn government corruption and economic mismanagement began in October 2019. Absent significant reforms that unlock international financial assistance and address protesters' demands, conditions will only continue to deteriorate, and anti-government demonstrations will likely persist.