Burkina Faso hit by strikes

Burkina Faso is poor, even by West African standards

Business in Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou has been seriously affected by a strike by public and private sector workers, French news agency AFP has reported.

The two-day strike, which began on Tuesday morning, involved workers in the telecoms, power and banking industries.

The cost of living is going up but our purchasing power is going down

Laurent Ouedraogo, union leader

Some schools were also closed, AFP said.

The strikes came after workers' calls for pay rises and a drop in income tax were not met by employers.

Further action threat

Protesting workers have demanded a 25% pay increase and a 30% cut in income tax, the reports said.

"The cost of living is going up but our purchasing power is going down," said Laurent Ouedraogo, secretary general of the Burkina National Workers' Confederation.

"This strike is a warning. If none of our demands are satisfied, we'll take further action."

Burkina Faso's second city, Bobo-Dioulasso, was also affected by the strike action, AFP said.

A poor country even by West African standards, Burkina Faso has suffered from recurring droughts in recent years.

Lacking in resources, water and fertile soil, the country has also been hit by falling gold prices, forcing it to close down its biggest gold mine.