Schools and university shut by teachers' strike

Secondary schools in Benin have been shut down and many government offices have been under-staffed as a result of a three-day strike by public sector workers to demand higher pay. The nationwide "warning strike" by SYNARES, the union representing teachers in secondary schools and colleges of higher education, and the Confederation of Workers of Benin (CSTB), began on Tuesday. All secondary schools and the university in the capital Cotonou were closed by the teachers' strike, but there was only a partial walk-out at government offices, since not all civil servants belong to the CSTB. The civil service union is demanding an increase in the minimum wage of government employees, which is currently 30,000 CFA francs (US $52)per month. It is also seeking the restoration of automatic pay rises after every two years of service. These increments were abolished five years ago, when the government decided to award pay rises purely on the grounds of merit. The teachers and university lecturers are demanding pay arrears for overtime work and time spent preparing research for publication. They also want greater transparency in the way university finances are managed and the right to appoint the rector of the university. This official is currently appointed by the government. The strikes were called following the collapse of negotiations between the government and the unions on 31 October. The government of President Mathieu Kerekou was expected to discuss the union demands at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.