In brief: BENIN — General strike shuts down country

The small African country of Benin ground to a halt on October 19, as public sector workers began a three-day strike for a 20-30% pay increase, better pensions and lower university fees. The strike, called by four out of the country's five trade union federations after negotiations broke down on October 1, was hugely successful. In the country's capital of Cotonou, all schools, banks and government offices were closed, health centres were restricted to treating emergencies and all public television and radio programs were cancelled, replaced by the song "Le Pays Va Mal" (The Country is Doing Badly), played on continual repeat.

From Green Left Weekly, October 27, 2004.

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From GLW issue 604