Trade Unions Plan Strike Action

Several prominent trade unions are planning to stage a general strike on 15-17 March in Nouakchott, the capital, over an ongoing wage dispute with the government. The Union of Mauritanian Workers (UTM), the General Confederation of Mauritanian Workers (CGTM) and the Free Confederation of Mauritanian Workers (CLTM) have stated their intention to take part in the planned protest action. Union officials stated that the strike is also an attempt to force the government to take part in negotiations with the groups over salary and working condition issues.