Issue and Opponent: Civilians, especially workers, thought that the policies of Prime Minister Alibux’s Government were unfair. The government’s proposed acceptance of an economic program with a large loan from the IMF prompted the strike. The government suggested an increase of up to 100% in taxes on a variety of imported products and restructuring the income-tax system, which was planned for January 1, 1984.
Dilemma Action: Thousands of vital bauxite miners stopped working in the country’s vital industry to protest the future increase in income taxes. This caused significant economic disruption. Other workers joined the action, including electrical workers, teachers, and bankers.
Outcome: Military authorities and trade unionists informed the special commission that the strike action convinced them that the government could not rule without the participation and cooperation of the key sectors of society, like the vital bauxite industry. In response to the strike and the general broad opposition against the government, Bouterse announced the withdrawal of the unpopular measures and price increases, as well as the dissolution of the Alibux Government to find a better way to govern.