Railways workers in Sudan’s Atbara go on strike to protest salary delay

March 13, 2022 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan Railways workers in northern Sudan city Atbara, went on an open strike on Sunday to protest against the delay in salaries, and deterioration of living conditions.

At the same time, thousands took to the streets in Sudan’s main railway city to protest against the military regime and the deterioration of water and electricity services.

Protesters blocked the main bridge in the labour city, while school students set tires on fire on the main roads, and chanted anti-military slogans calling to overthrow their government.

The protesters further called to restore water and electricity service as they have been cut off from the city for days.

The security forces used tear gas to disperse the protesters and chased dozens of them in the city’s market.

Hashim Khidir, President of the Railway Workers’ Union in Atbara, told the Sudan Tribune on Sunday that all workers went on an open strike because of salary delays as the authorities continue to ignore their demands.

Khidir pointed out that the strike will continue unless the workers’ salaries and financial dues are paid.

“We were informed that efforts are being made to transfer the salaries on Sunday morning, but so far the payment has not been made. This prompted the workers to engage in an open strike until their demands are met,” he said.

Located 350km north of Khartoum, Atbara residents mainly workers complain of poor salaries and unemployment.

The River Nile State city is seen as the birthplace of Sudan’s December revolution that brought down the regime of the former President Omer al-Bashir in April 2019.

Also, the workers’ town, which served as a barometer for political stability, backed the national protest movement to pressure the military to hand over power to a civilian government in August 2019, four months later.

(ST)