Bus driver strike paralyses Khartoum as Sudan workers continue to demand better wages

School teachers, university lecturers, and research centre staff continue to strike to demand better wages in Sudan, joined by bus drivers in Khartoum and meteorological workers on Sunday. 

The bus driver strike caused “complete paralysis” in the Sudanese capital yesterday after workers laid down their tools in protest against “recent increases in license fees and traffic fines, and unreasonable taxes.” 

Meteorological workers began to strike on the same day to demand better wages. The strike committee for the employees of the General Meteorological Corporation announced that all operating airports no longer have access to weather information, calling on the air navigation safety authorities to take notice. 

Kamaleldin Ibrahim, member of the Meteorological Media Committee, told Radio Dabanga that the staff members aim to achieve “legitimate demands.” These include a salary raise, continued quality of working conditions, and the dismissal of the corporation’s director general. 

University lecturers continued their strike for the second week, demanding the implementation of the proposed salary structure for the year 2023. The University Lecturers Committee said that 90 per cent of universities in the country are participating in the strike. 

Last week, the committee said that the comprehensive strike for an indefinite period is taking place because the Ministry of Finance has failed to respond to their demands within the allotted timeframe. 

Staff members of research centres at the Ministry of Higher Education continue to demand better wages and the dismissal of the minister.  

School teachers in Sudan are continuing their three-week strike for better pay. More than 16,000 schools in Sudan are participating in the strike, which also took place throughout much of December with previous industrial action in November as well.