Having risen for four sessions to its highest since Jan. 29 at $1,874.80 on Tuesday, spot gold fell 0.5% to $1,859.19 per ounce.
"I would say that part of the recent countermove or today's countermove is some profit taking, partly driven also by a small rebound of the US dollar."
The National Union of Malian Workers (UNTM), which says it represents 80% of unionised workers in the country, including miners, teachers and health workers, has called the action in support of better pay.
"The strike notice remains in force due to a lack of a agreement with the government," UNTM chief Yacouba Katile said on Friday.