Employees at the national electric and water company began an indefinite strike

Employees at the national Empresa de Agua e Electricidade (EMAE) electric and water company began an indefinite strike on 4 June 2010 over an ongoing pay dispute. Approximately 300 workers are taking part in the action, which is expected to disrupt water and power supplies throughout the country. Minimum services will be maintained, including power and water to hospitals, security forces and prisons. Employees are asking for a 60 percent base salary increase. Company officials have stated that employee demands are unrealistic but that negotiations will continue.