Suriname: Impasse in Labor Crisis

National Intelligence Daily

Negotiations between government officials and striking bauxite workers are deadlocked, and the continuing crisis could have repercussions for Prime Minister Alibux’s party.

The US Embassy reports that the government has suspended talks on grievances until the strikers restore electric power to the capital and return to work. Representatives of the bauxite workers have refused to do so, however, until the regime begins to address their largely economic demands. In addition, employees of a Dutch-owned bank who conducted work stoppages last Friday in sympathy with the bauxite workers reportedly have issued a statement calling for elections and freedom of the press.

Paramaribo is tense, according to the Embassy. Many Surinamers reportedly believe that Army Commander Bouterse’s concern about possible foreign intervention is the only thing that has deterred him up to now from using military force to restore order, and they fear he may do so once he fully realizes the political and economic consequences of the strike.

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Comment: Bouterse still appears to be biding his time, and the deadlock could continue through the weekend. If the political demands of the bank workers spread to the striking bauxite workers and cause further social unrest, however, Bouterse will act decisively.

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Date:
December 30, 1983
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