Bujumbura, Burundi - Academic activities remain paralysed in Burundi's public primary and secondary schools Tuesday, the second day of the strike embarked upon by some teachers in the country to press for better working conditions. Four of the six teachers' unions in the country are taking part in the four-day strike.

The National Council for the Primary Education Staff (CONAPES), the Free Trade Union of Burundi Teachers (SLEB), the Union of Education Workers in Burundi (STEB) and the National Trade Union of the primary education staff (SYNAPEP) embarked on the strike following a notice issued to the government 11 Feb.

However, two newly-created rival unions chose not to take part in the strike, pending negotiations with the government on the contentious issues, particularly with respect to ongoing transfers and re-deployments of thousands of redundant teachers to other schools.

Some teachers have said the transfers would destablise their families.

The teachers are also demanding the harmonization of wages in the public service.

Pana 23/02/2011