GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) -- A magistrate has moved to Tuesday the
                  arraignment of three Guyanese union leaders charged with organizing protest
                  processions without permits.

                  Magistrate Dawn Gregory Barnes rescheduled the hearing Monday after
                  considering arguments over the weekend by defense lawyers and
                  prosecutors.

                  After charging the union leaders last week, prosecutors had asked for a June
                  4 arraignment date to avoid demonstrations by union members striking to
                  demand raises. Barnes rejected the request.

                  Guyana Public Service Union president Patrick Yarde, vice president
                  Lawrence Mentis and general secretary Anwar Hussain are charged with
                  organizing protest marches last week in Georgetown.

                  Thousands of government workers have been on strike since April 29 to
                  demand pay hikes of between 30 and 40 percent. The government says it
                  can only afford a 4.6 percent raise.

                  On Monday, principals represented by the Guyana Teachers Union said
                  they would be joining the strike.

                    Copyright 1999 The Associated Press.