A Series of Strikes and the Growth of the Trade UnionsAs Guinea has slid deeper and deeper into economic and political chaos, there have been an increasing number of demonstrations by trade unions and other civil society organizations to protest economic deterioration and poor governance. In 2006 Guinea’s two largest trade unions emerged as significant players in Guinea’s political future by organizing two nationwide strikes—in February and June 2006—that effectively paralyzed the country for several weeks, shutting down schools and businesses.19 Although the unions formally represent only a small portion of Guinean workers and the Guinean population, the strikes were widely observed by the general population across the country, both in the formal and informal sectors.20 Most Guineans observed the 2006 strikes not by participating in organized rallies or marches in the street, but by staying home, and refusing to work. During the strikes, nearly all economic activity shut down, and transportation was nearly impossible for ordinary Guineans as most taxi drivers observed the strike. The union’s demands during the 2006 strikes were essentially economic in nature: lower prices for basic commodities such as rice and gas, and higher salaries for workers. In each instance, the strikes were “suspended” by the unions pending the government’s fulfillment of promises for various economic reforms, promises which, according to union and other civil society leaders interviewed by Human Rights Watch, were never fulfilled.21 Though the protests of 2006 were largely peaceful, if at times unruly, security forces responded to these strikes, particularly the June 2006 strike, with excessive and inappropriate use of force. In the course of a June 2006 crackdown, police and other security forces were involved in murder, rape, assault, and theft of both unarmed protestors and bystanders alike.22 According to research by Human Rights Watch, at least 13 protestors were killed by security forces.23 There have been no prosecutions of members of Guinean security forces for abuses committed during the June 2006 strike. 19 Guinea’s two biggest trade unions are the National Confederation of Guinean Workers (Confederation Nationale des Travailleurs de Guinée, CNTG), led by Rabiatou Serah Diallo, and the Guinean Workers’ Union (Union Syndicale des Travailleurs de Guinée, USTG), led by Ibrahima Fofana. Until the early 1990s, the CNTG was the sole government-sanctioned union under Guinea’s one-party system. For historic reasons, it continues to represent primarily public sector employees. The USTG was created in 1994 with Guinea’s turn to multipartyism, and represents a larger number of private sector employees. However, both public and private sector employees are today free to join any union they choose. 20 Human Rights Watch interviews with diplomats, journalists, and civil society leaders, Conakry, April and June 2006. 21 Human Rights Watch interviews with union leaders, Conakry April and June 2006. 22 Human Rights Watch, The Perverse Side of Things. 23 Human Rights Watch, The Perverse Side of Things. |