Guinea-Bissau: UNTG calls for nationwide public sector strike throughout December /update 2

Event

A strike by the National Union of Guinean Workers - Union Central (UNTG-CS) is ongoing as of Dec. 2 and will persist through December. The purpose of the action, the latest in a series of protests and strikes since late 2020, is to demand better working conditions and wages. Workers stated that they would strike on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Strike-related disruptions are likely to persist through December. Disruptions to public services, including the health sector, are likely for the duration of the work stoppage. The action could impact nonemergency services at government hospitals; facilities will likely continue to provide emergency and COVID-19 treatment. Increased demand could disrupt services at private facilities.

Additional protests by union members are likely nationwide during the strike period. These are most likely in urban centers, including Bissau, Bafata, Gabu, and Bubaque. In towns and cities, protests are probable near government buildings, such as the National Assembly in Bissau and UNTG-CS offices, including the UNTG-CS headquarters in the capital. Security forces will almost certainly deploy to and attempt to disperse any unauthorized gatherings that occur. Protests and security force deployments are likely to result in localized ground travel disruptions.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Reconfirm health and public sector appointments during the strike period. Heed the instructions of officials.