Michael Sallons, chairman of the Workers’ Organization at the Public Works Ministry, is furious over attempts by the current administration to silence the nation’s unions. He explained that the government hastily decides to take legal action against unions that  want to protect the rights of their union members. “Workers are even being intimidated which is why they are afraid to go on strike. Without unity the problems within the union movement will never be solved,” said Sallons who claimed that the Council of Labor Federations in Suriname (Ravaksur) is also responsible for the problems because it surrenders to much to the government. “The government is also spreading fear by making changes to the Personnel Act such as the No Work, No Pay rule. But even the verdict of the judge can be swept aside by rallying a thousand people in the streets. The people are being discouraged and are losing faith in the unions but that is the fault of the old union chairman who have betrayed them,” said Sallons. Sallons also criticized the judges for always ruling in favor of the government and ordering unions to end their strike and return to the negotiating table. He pointed out that the only way for people to be victorious is to not let others to intimidate them and to let their voices be heard when they are summoned by their unions….[+]