CAMEROON; SOSUCAM RELAXES WAGES AFTER WORKERS STRIKE

After two weeks of strikes and the destruction of 150 hectares of sugar cane fields, Sosucam has announced an increase in wages and bonuses to calm the protests.

The sugar company has increased the wages of cutters by 1,000 Fcfa (€1.5)* to 57,000 Fcfa. It also raised the dirty-work bonus for workers from CFAF 600 to CFAF 750 and for seasonal workers from CFAF 3,000 to CFAF 3,500.

The industrial action, which began on January 26th, caused an estimated loss of 3 billion CFA francs and paralysed the Nkoteng and Mbandjock plantations. The strikers were demanding respect for payment deadlines* and advances based on seniority.

To avoid further tensions, Sosucam has agreed to pay salaries on the 5th of each month and advances on the 20th, starting in February. The company has also promised improved working conditions and the installation of payment counters.

A return to normality is expected from February 8th , at a time when the country is already struggling to meet its national demand for sugar, estimated at 300,000 tonnes.

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