The Guinean Federation of Banks and Insurers, which represents workers in the bank and insurance industries, began a national strike Monday after negotiations with the Association of Banking Professionals failed. The striking workers are seeking to double their salaries, and demanding greater medical and retirement benefits as well. Guinea has faced a wave of strikes and labor protests since the replacement of Prime Minister Lansana Kouyate (who was appointed as part of an agreement with labor unions) with Ahmed Tidiane Souare.
See "Guinean Bank, Insurance Workers Strike to Demand Higher Pay", Alpha Camara, Bloomberg News, December 1, 2008