Les syndicats appellent à la grève, le gouvernement invoque l'illicéité et appelle au civisme
As the end of October 2026 approaches, social tensions are rising sharply in Senegal. Labor unions have called for a 72-hour general strike, scheduled for October 21, 22, and 23, 2026, encompassing the public, semi-public, and private sectors. In response to this mobilization, the Ministry of Public Service, Labor, and Public Service Reform, headed by Mamadou Lamine Dianté, issued a statement contesting the legality of the strike and calling for dialogue.
At the heart of the dispute between trade unions and administrative authorities lies a difference in the interpretation of legal procedures.
The ministry criticizes the use of a "single notice" addressed exclusively to the Minister for the Civil Service and Labour. According to the Authority, this document cannot legally cover all workers in the various sectors of activity, given the distinct legal frameworks that govern them.
In the private and semi-public sectors: The Ministry reminds employers that Law No. 2026-18 of September 3, 2026, concerning the Labor Code, requires prior notification to the labor inspectorate or the Directorate General for Labor. A 30-day notice period can only be given to company management if the conciliation procedure has failed.
In the Civil Service (State and local authorities): Under Law No. 61-33 concerning the General Statute of Civil Servants, a one-month notice period following notification of a reasoned written notice is required before any collective work stoppage. Furthermore, local government employees must send their notice to their direct local authority (President of the Departmental Council or Mayor).
In light of what the State considers to be procedural irregularities, the government deems the strike "illegal." It reminds employees of the risks they face, including salary deductions for days not worked, disciplinary sanctions, and even the loss of entitlement to compensation in the event of contract termination.
The ministerial statement also highlights the specific situation of the Education and Training sector. The State indicates that no formal strike notice has been filed since the signing of the memorandum of understanding on April 16, 2026, between the Government and representative organizations.
Regarding the substance of the demands, the administration maintains that the majority of the points raised are already part of the commitments of the National Pact for Social Stability for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth , the progress of which is regularly monitored through a dedicated Steering Committee and Technical Committee.
Beyond the strictly regulatory aspect, this social confrontation comes at a particularly critical time for the country. Senegal is preparing to host the Youth Olympic Games (YOG), which are scheduled to begin on October 31, 2026.
Invoking Senegal's international image and the preservation of the continuity of public service during this global event, the ministry appeals to the "sense of responsibility and patriotic spirit" of the trade union federations.
In order to avoid a paralysis of public services and the economy a few days before the Olympic deadline, the ministry urges the trade union federations to respond favorably to the Prime Minister's request to abandon the current strike and freeze the movement until at least January 2027, in order to give a chance to the continuation of calm discussions in a concerted framework.
It now remains to be seen whether this call for dialogue and this reminder of the legal rule will be enough to change the position of the unions or whether the blockade of October 21, 22 and 23 will actually be followed on the ground.
Commentaires (12)
Réponse : NON, pire ils en sont même actionnaires.
Alors Dites à ces membres du Gouvernement que ces syndicalistes ont juste suivi leur pas ... qu'ils assument.
le Karma est passée par la mdrr
Le Vrai.
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