Gabon will not sanction striking teachers - DPM

Gabon will not sanction its striking teachers, the country’s deputy Prime Minister Bruno Ben Moubamba has said, in a move that over rules the order issued by the education minister.

The decision follows the announcement canceling the striking teachers bonuses and pay for the 2014 – 2015 period.

A circular released by Gabon’s education minister Florentin Moussavou dated January 30th, announced the “immediate suspension of pay for teachers not offering courses, and for those of staff absent from their jobs without justification”.

The measures were judged to be harsh and also contrary to the law governing trade union freedoms, including the right to strike by trade union organizations.

The government has in the meantime announced it will engage in discussions aimed at resolving the crisis that has lasted for more than a year.

It said that an inter-ministerial commission would soon be set up to hold discussions with stakeholders.

A meeting was scheduled for this purpose on 2 February with the teachers trade unions.