Burkina Faso workers demand 25 percent salary increase

Burkina Faso workers, through the country's main trade union, UAS, have demanded for a 25 percent salary hike.

The demand was made over the weekend during celebrations of Labour Day. Other demands issued by the workers included a significant drop on the prices of petroleum products, reduction of transport costs as well as suspension of residence tax and VAT on bank loans taken by workers .

Speaking after receiving the document containing workers' demands, Public Service Minister Clement Sawadogo promised that the government will soon meet with union leaders to discuss the demands raised by workers.

In mid-April, UAS which is comprised of 22 unions, had already threatened to paralyze operations in the country if the government did not satisfactorily respond to its demands.