Nationwide demonstrations beginning on 29 September

Several trade unions announced on 24 September 2008 that their members will hold nationwide demonstrations beginning on 29 September to protest the mismanagement of social security funds. The Central Organization of Free Trade Unions (COFTU) and the National Organization of Trade Unions (NOTU), among other organizations, will host the demonstrations. The groups claim that officials from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) have misappropriated funds, and the peaceful demonstrations are an attempt to force the government to take immediate action to "protect the hard earned workers money." Demonstrations were originally scheduled to begin on 24 September, but the unions delayed the start date in order to hold the protests nationwide. No information has been released on the actions that the groups will undertake, but visitors should stay abreast of this development and avoid all areas where gatherings are scheduled to take place.