Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07CONAKRY845
2007-07-24 08:26:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Conakry
Cable title:  

GUINEA'S LABOR UNIONS

Tags:  PGOV PREL ELAB KDEM SOCI ASEC GV 
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VZCZCXRO0668
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHRY #0845 2050826
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 240826Z JUL 07
FM AMEMBASSY CONAKRY
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1425
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
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

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