Benin: General Strike for Higher Pay Shuts Down Country

The streets of Cotonou were quiet on Tuesday. Banks, schools, and most businesses were closed in Cotonou, Benin's capital and economic center, due to a workers strike. Four of the five trade union organizations in Benin planned the three day strike. They insist on "higher pay for government employees, better pensions and lower university fees." The unions feel President Mathieu Kerekou has ignored the workers' demands, but the government says they are still willing to negotiate.
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