18 Mar 2024 | 03:48 PM UTC
Angola: Trade unions plan nationwide strike March 20-22
Trade unions in Angola to stage nationwide strike March 20-22 amid minimum wage negotiations. Increased security likely; protests possible.
Unionized members of the Forca Sindical, the Confederacao Sindical (UNTA), and the General Central of Independent and Free Unions of Angola (CGSSILA) plan to stage a nationwide strike March 20-22. They are demanding, amongst other issues, that the government increase the minimum wage to between 100,000-245,000 kwanzas (USD 120-295); the government has reportedly offered a new wage between 48,000-96,000 kwanzas (USD 57-115).
The unions insist that the strike would be peaceful and called for participating workers to remain at home; they have also warned of additional strikes on April 22-30 and June 3-14 should their demands not be met. Officials have reportedly mobilized increased security forces in anticipation of possible protests.
Business closures, transport disruptions, and administrative delays are likely March 20-22. Heightened security is likely nationwide. Should protests materialize, clashes between demonstrators and police are likely. Any protest action and response, which could include road closures, could result in ground travel and business operation disruptions. There is an incidental threat to bystanders should any violence occur.
Plan for business closures, transport disruptions, and administrative delays. Stay informed any possible protests could be revealed on short notice. Should protests materialize nearby, avoid them as a standard precaution and to mitigate likely ground travel delays. Plan for road travel delays near protest sites. Heed instructions from security forces. If violence erupts nearby, immediately leave the area and seek shelter at a nongovernment building.
