Opposition Workers Call for Beirut Demonstration, Majority Unions Boycott, Tension Escalates
Lebanon”s rival factions appeared on a collision course on the eve of a major demonstration called by the opposition-backed General federation of Labor Unions.
GFLU leader Ghassan Ghoson urged supporters to join a "labor popular" demonstration to be launched at 10 a.m. Wednesday from Beirut”s Barbir Square, progress across the Korniche Mazraa thoroughfare and end up at the Central Bank headquarters in Hamra street, rejected a pay raise adopted by the government as not enough.
The demonstration”s march line, as announced by Ghoson, raises fears of possible confrontation with supporters of the March 14 majority alliance because it penetrates their traditional strongholds, especially areas controlled by supporters of Saad Hariri”s Mustaqbal Movement and Walid Jumblat”s Progressive Socialist Party.
A similar opposition-sponsored strike on Jan. 23, 2007, led to serious confrontations between the Hizbullah-led opposition and the March 14 majority that almost sparked civil unrest.
Ghoson, addressing a press conference, also pledged that the demonstration would only be "the beginning of serial protests, including general strikes, demonstrations and sit-ins aimed at putting at end to controlling our present and future."
However, the Labor Salvation Authority, that opposes Ghoson”s leadership, boycotted of the strike and declared Wednesday a day of normal work.
Lebanon”s bank employees union also boycotted the strike and said Wednesday is a normal working day, noting that a pay raise adopted by the government before dawn Tuesday meets labor demands.
Meanwhile, the union of civil aviation employees said it would abide by the strike, bringing Beirut Airport activity to a standstill from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
General Ashraf Rifi, commander of the Internal Security Forces, declared that very tight security would be applied throughout Lebanon on Wednesday to maintain law and order.
Picture: Labour strike on Jan. 23, 2007.