Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08CONAKRY284
2008-06-10 14:05:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Conakry
Cable title:
TEACHERS PLAN TO STRIKE JUNE 19
how-toVZCZCXRO5676 PP RUEHMA RUEHPA DE RUEHRY #0284 1621405 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 101405Z JUN 08 FM AMEMBASSY CONAKRY TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2632 INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
UNCLAS CONAKRY 000284
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ELAB PGOV PREL ASEC GV
SUBJECT: TEACHERS PLAN TO STRIKE JUNE 19
REF: CONAKRY 0274
UNCLAS CONAKRY 000284
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ELAB PGOV PREL ASEC GV
SUBJECT: TEACHERS PLAN TO STRIKE JUNE 19
REF: CONAKRY 0274
1. (SBU) On June 10, following a series of meetings between
union leaders and the Guinean Government, Guinea's two
teachers' unions (FSPE and SLECG) formally notified the GoG
of their intent to resume a nationwide labor strike effective
Thursday, June 19. The unionists' demands are primarily
economic and include increases in salaries and various
allowances (reftel).
2. (SBU) Union leaders claim that the GoG previously agreed
to meet all of their demands during earlier labor strikes,
but has failed to deliver on their promises. Comments from
the Minister of Education were broadcast on national radio on
June 9. The minister said that the GoG essentially agrees
with all the unions' demands, but will not have the necessary
funds to meet those demands until later this year.
3. (U) National exams are currently scheduled to take place
the week of June 23, a few days after the labor strike is
scheduled to resume.
--------------
COMMENT
--------------
4. (SBU) Union leaders have indicated that they will not
back down from the strike unless the GoG actually pays them
some of what they are due. The GoG is scrambling for money
to pay off the military later this month, and is going to be
hard pressed to find money for the teachers too. Striking
just before national exams begin is likely to provoke both
students and parents, who may take to the streets in protest,
as they did in 2006. The unions may still back down from the
strike, but they appear to be moving forward for the time
being. END COMMENT.
CARTER
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ELAB PGOV PREL ASEC GV
SUBJECT: TEACHERS PLAN TO STRIKE JUNE 19
REF: CONAKRY 0274
1. (SBU) On June 10, following a series of meetings between
union leaders and the Guinean Government, Guinea's two
teachers' unions (FSPE and SLECG) formally notified the GoG
of their intent to resume a nationwide labor strike effective
Thursday, June 19. The unionists' demands are primarily
economic and include increases in salaries and various
allowances (reftel).
2. (SBU) Union leaders claim that the GoG previously agreed
to meet all of their demands during earlier labor strikes,
but has failed to deliver on their promises. Comments from
the Minister of Education were broadcast on national radio on
June 9. The minister said that the GoG essentially agrees
with all the unions' demands, but will not have the necessary
funds to meet those demands until later this year.
3. (U) National exams are currently scheduled to take place
the week of June 23, a few days after the labor strike is
scheduled to resume.
--------------
COMMENT
--------------
4. (SBU) Union leaders have indicated that they will not
back down from the strike unless the GoG actually pays them
some of what they are due. The GoG is scrambling for money
to pay off the military later this month, and is going to be
hard pressed to find money for the teachers too. Striking
just before national exams begin is likely to provoke both
students and parents, who may take to the streets in protest,
as they did in 2006. The unions may still back down from the
strike, but they appear to be moving forward for the time
being. END COMMENT.
CARTER