A strike action of the Suriname Police Force entered its third day on Friday, even as President Desi Bouterse called on the Suriname Police Union (SPB) to suspend the work stoppage.
Police officers went on strike on Wednesday after the government failed to meet their demands.
Meanwhile the government has called on special security units, including the Security and Assistance Service and the National Army to step in. The SPB informed the government that police officers will only carry out duties in case of serious road accidents, murders or brutal armed robberies. Officers will also be on duty to guard detainees and government officials and police facilities.
The police are disgruntled over measures by the government to discontinue several financial benefits, including appropriation for nightly duties. According to Vice-President Robert Ameerali, the government’s Consultation Office advised that the said allowances were already incorporated in the salaries.
At a general meeting the police union sanctioned a motion calling for immediate strike action.
The police union submitted its demands in March 2010 and reached an agreement with the government on December 22 last year, in which the parties agreed that the appropriations would be paid no later than January 31, 2012.
During a three hour meeting with union leaders on Thursday at his office, Bouterse appealed to the union to call off the strike in order to create an atmosphere to continue negotiations with the government. The SPB at a general meeting were due to decide on Friday whether the work stoppage will continue.
By Ivan Cairo
Caribbean News Now contributor
