Yemen: Unions threaten indefinite strike in southern Yemen from Dec. 8

The General Federation of Southern Workers' Unions has threatened to initiate an indefinite strike in southern Yemen from Dec. 8. The planned action is to demand measures to address high costs of living and demand the restructuring of wages. The union has also threatened to hold a related protest at the Maashiq Palace in Aden and escalate the strike action from Dec.16 if their demands are not met.

Should the strike proceed disruptions to various sectors, including state, education, health, transport, oil and gas, and electricity, are likely. Disruptions and related actions are likely to be most pronounced in Aden; however, related activities are possible elsewhere in southern Yemen, including in Abyan, Lahij, Shabwah, and Hadramawt. Strike-related protests are likely during the strike period outside of main government offices across southern Yemen. Gatherings in public squares and along road routes are also possible. Security forces are likely to deploy to all protest sites. Clashes are possible if demonstrators ignore orders to disperse or are overly disruptive.