Unions representing Haiti's public employees announced a strike starting Monday, October 19.

The Confederation of National Public Administration Unions is demanding the cancellation of a 15% deduction applied since October 1 to bonuses and salary supplements, including allowances, holiday pay, payment for unused vacation and overtime. It is also calling for proper health insurance and payment of the “14th month” bonus.

Teachers' unions raised similar complaints on World Teachers' Day, October 5, including unpaid August salaries and the same 15% increase in payroll deductions.

Separately, the Ministry of the Economy and Finance denied reports that the government had decided to withhold the back-to-school subsidy for public employees, which is included in the 2026-2027 budget. It said checks were being printed and bank transfers had begun.

The government had not publicly responded to the strike call by the time of publication.