Guinea-Bissau: Trade unions to strike nationwide May 7-9

Event

Leaders of the National Union of Guinean Workers (UNTG) and the General Confederation of Independent Trade Unions (CGSI) are calling for civil servants to hold a general strike from Tuesday, May 7, through Thursday, May 9. The unions are demanding an increase in the minimum wage for civil servants, as well as an increase to the pension fund for retired workers. Associated protests by striking workers are possible, particularly in the capital Bissau; however, no demonstrations have been announced as of Monday, May 6. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated around all potential protests. Union leaders have threatened to carry out further industrial actions if their demands are not met.

Context

Civil servants conducted a series of strikes in 2018, calling for salary increases among other demands. Union leaders announced the upcoming strikes during an International Workers Day rally on May 1. According to the unions, the August 2018 raise is not sufficient enough to cover the increasing cost of living in the country.

Advice

Individuals in Guinea-Bissau, particularly the capital Bissau, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations and protests due to the risk of violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.