Zimbabwe government, unions in last-ditch talks to avert national strike

Barricades burn as rain falls during protests in Harare, Zimbabwe January 14, 2019.

Zimbabwe’s government will hold last-ditch negotiations with public sector unions on Wednesday to try to avert a national strike that could trigger more unrest after this month’s violent protests.

But the main teachers union said it was not expecting any progress and was already making plans for a Feb. 5 walkout. The president’s spokesman said troops would stay on the streets and the state would block the internet again if violence erupted.