The Trade Union Federation of Suriname, known as C-47, is signaling a potentially prolonged period of industrial action later this week.
The strike, initially set for two days, is a response to the recent increases in electricity rates.
C-47 has warned that the duration of the strike could be extended if the government does not address the union’s concerns satisfactorily.
Broad coalition and legal challenges
C-47 said it has garnered the support of numerous trade unions for this cause, including those representing police and educators.
Furthermore, the federation is preparing to initiate legal proceedings against the government led by President Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi, challenging the justification and process of the electricity rate increases.
Economic reforms and subsidy cuts
In a bid to curtail government spending and adhere to International Monetary Fund (IMF) guidelines, the Surinamese government announced in February its plan to gradually eliminate subsidies on gas, electricity, and fuel.
Despite introducing a social program to mitigate the impact on vulnerable groups, the government maintains that continuing these subsidies is financially untenable.
Rate increases and public dissatisfaction
The government plans include significant price adjustments: a reduction of SRD10 per liter for diesel, an increase of SRD260 per electricity connection, and over SRD400 for gas cylinders.
C-47, however, argues that the government should first address mismanagement in the energy sector, adding that the increases in electricity rates did not have to be so drastic.
The initial rate increase already implemented was 40 per cent, to be followed by additional hikes leading to a cumulative monthly increase of seven per cent by November.
Union’s response and future plans
Robby Berenstein, chairman of C-47, detailed the federation’s strategy during a union meeting.
Should the government fail to provide a clear and favorable response, union members, including those from non-affiliated unions like the Military Union and the Syndicate for Educators in Suriname, are set to stay home on May 2 and 3.
Berenstein emphasized the readiness to extend the strike if necessary and highlighted ongoing preparations for legal action against the rate increases.
The meeting, which also saw participation from several non-C-47 affiliated unions, underscored widespread solidarity among Suriname’s labor forces.
