Ivory Coast

The strikers wanted to secure better pay and working conditions, and oust senior management in government agencies accused of severe malpractice.

The strike was originally called by the Ivory Coast senior medical workers union (Synacass-ci) in relation to yearly pay negotiations. Currently a doctor receives a salary of 173000 CFA Francs (£180), the Ivory coast is suffering from major price increases, especially of staples. For example the price of 12kg of cooking gas has risen from 3500 CFA Francs to between 4500 and 5000.

The basic demand of the teachers is an increase in the allowance that they are paid towards accomodation. The planned budget for this year gives teachers 30000 CFA Francs (£29:50) a year. Average monthly wages in Ivory Coast are estimated at CFA 26200, although due to civil problems all figures are unreliable.

The strike brought together members of different unions and non-unionised staff. The suspension of the strike was announced after a general meeting held by strikers.

The strikers won bonus pay for handling hazardous materials and some undisclosed improvements in working conditions. They also won the right to free medical care for themselves and their families, including operations.

The customs officers' strike was in relation to unpaid quarterly bonuses. The planned 42-hour strike began on Wednesday in spite of assurance given by the Director General, Gnamien Konan, that bonuses would be paid in full by Thursday morning.

Owner Dassi Simone originally sacked 90 of the 110-strong workforce on January 31st, although he later re-hired some of them. The workers became discontented after the infirmary was closed, as were payment by instalment schemes and loans for school fees. In addition workers were not properly paid at the end of the year and were refused pay slips.