GUINEA'S LABOR UNIONS

UNCLAS CONAKRY 000845 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12598: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL ELAB KDEM SOCI ASEC GV SUBJECT: GUINEA'S LABOR UNIONS REF: CONAKRY ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY. In a July 17 meeting with the Charge, Guinea's labor unions leaders agreed that Prime Minister Kouyate has made little progress on meeting the objectives of the January 27 Accords. Kouyate's ability to achieve those objectives over the next few months is critical to the success of his government and the country's stability. Union leaders emphasized their wish to avoid violence and further strikes, but cautioned that if citizens do not see progress soon, it may be difficult for them to hold their members back. The unions are working with each other and with Kouyate to address ongoing concerns. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (SBU) In an energetic discussion with the Charge on July 17, leaders of Guinea's labor unions said that Prime Minister Kouyate's actions over the next few months are critical to the success of his administration and to the country's overall stability. According to Madame Bah Diallo Rabiatou Serah, Secretary General of the CNTG, if Kouyate fails, the unions fail. To that end, union leaders recently met with Kouyate, emphasizing the need to respect the January 27 Accords. They said Kouyate was responsive and directed the Minister of Labor to set up regular consultations. ¶3. (SBU) However, union leaders agree that Kouyate has made little progress toward meeting the objectives of the January 27 Accords. Specifically, the Government has not revised the mining conventions nor has it made the required administrative staffing changes. Even the senior-level appointments that Kouyate made were actually President Lansana Conte's appointments, union leaders argued. ¶4. (SBU) Kouyate worked toward his promise to improve internal government administration when he named new prefects to Guineas 33 prefectures last week. However, the appointments have been met with disappointment and skepticism. Seven out of the 33 prefects come from Kouyate's home town and people have expressed concern that the appointments do not accurately reflect Guinea's ethnic groups. Furthermore, by heavily weighting the prefectures with people who are perceived as close to Kouyate, people suspect Kouyate of setting the stage for manipulating the upcoming legislative elections. ¶5. (SBU) Union leaders detailed their proposal to amend the Constitution, which they say does not represent the beliefs of the general population. First, they want to formalize the Prime Minister's position by making it permanent through the Constitution. Second, they want to allow for independent candidacy for public office (i.e. non-affiliated with a political party). Finally, they propose instituting both term limits and age limits for elected positions. ¶6. (SBU) Union leaders emphasized their wish to avoid violence and further strikes. At the same time, they stated that the population is looking for exceptional and timely action from Kouyate. Widespread illiteracy poses a major communication challenge for the unions and leaders expressed concern that if progress is not made soon, they may have difficulty holding back their members from taking to the streets again. ¶7. (SBU) During a dynamic discussion in which it was evident that union leaders are collaborating with each other, most agreed that the best prospects for a peaceful transition depend on the success of the Kouyate administration and free and fair elections. Despite their frustration with Conte, most felt that it is important that Conte survive the upcoming legislative elections in order to ensure that the stage is set for a democratic transition. KAEUPER