Similar strikes last month forced the closure of 174 UNRWA-run schools responsible for educating 125,000 Palestinian children. -- PHOTO:REUTERS
AMMAN (Jordan) - NEARLY 7,000 United Nations employees aiding Palestinian refugees began a three-day pay strike in Jordan, closing schools and clinics across the country.
Matar Saqer, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency spokesman in Jordan, called Tuesday's strike 'regrettable.' He said a 'skeletal staff' was available to deal with emergencies.
Mr Saqer said UNRWA workers demanded a 7 percent pay increase to match that recently obtained by Jordanian public servants because of rising inflation.
Similar strikes last month forced the closure of 174 UNRWA-run schools responsible for educating 125,000 Palestinian children.
UNRWA's 24 clinics were also closed.
Mr Saqer said the agency is dependent on donations and has been running a US$39 million (S$56.8 million) deficit. -- AP
