Schools closed in G Bissau
2006-02-27 11:51
Conakry - The government in Guinea Bissau on Sunday ordered all schools in the West African state to be closed indefinitely after talks with unions broke down.
A general strike was due to start on Monday in the country.
In a broadcast statement the government said that after talks on the unions' claims had broken down "all primary and high schools, public and private, secondary, technical and professional are closed until further notice."
Parents were told to keep their children at home until talks were concluded.
A spokesperson for one of the two unions involved said that talks had broken down because of the unwillingness of the authorities to meet the appeals of the workers and to enter a dialogue.
"It's because negotiations have failed that the government has announced the closure of schools, it's a good move and suits everyone so the children don't leave the schools to loot and pillage."
The two unions, which say that 80% of public and private sector workers belong to them, announced a nationwide five day strike from Monday, which could be extended.
They are protesting against the cost of living and what they see as government indifference to public misery.
Earlier this month primary and secondary school teachers in Guinea Bissau held a 10-day strike calling for the payment of several months of unpaid wages and better working conditions.
They were are seeking two months of unpaid salaries from 2005, nine months' pay from 2003, bonuses, the reinstatement of temporary teachers and better working conditions.
Their union said the government had failed to uphold a January 28 promise to settle at least four months of unpaid salaries within 48 hours and to set up a timetable for the rest of the payments.