It’s crunch time for reform measures as Kuwaiti oil workers strike

Kuwaiti oil sector workers began what they called an open-ended strike on 17 April, protesting at the government’s plans to implement a new payroll scheme that would cut their wages and benefits, and divest some assets to private investors. The workers initially said the strike would continue until their demands were met, but unions decided to go back to work from 20 April after the government refused to resume negotiations while the walk-out continued. The strike was in response to government efforts to introduce austerity measures and reforms that would cut budget spending and trim a looming fiscal deficit by rationalising spending on public sector salaries and benefits.