Social security, layoffs, AIBD, Sias and Radisson: Mamadou Lamine Dianté's commitments before the members of parliament

Addressing members of parliament in plenary session this Tuesday, the Minister of Public Service, Labor, and Public Service Reform, Mamadou Lamine Dianté, responded to numerous questions concerning the situation of workers and the functioning of social protection institutions. Regarding layoffs, the Minister reaffirmed that the government had identified 351 cases after comparing data provided by various parties. He assured them that the State would not leave the affected workers without a solution. "Either you reinstate them all, or you negotiate a social plan with them to ensure they receive their entitlements," he stated.

IPRES and Social Security Fund: Boards of Directors to be regularized

When questioned about the governance of social security institutions, Mamadou Lamine Dianté acknowledged an institutional situation that has persisted for several years. According to him, the terms of office for the boards of directors of IPRES (the Senegalese Social Security Institute) and the Social Security Fund expired in 2016. The minister, however, rejected the idea that the government intended to take control of these institutions. He reiterated that their administration is based on the representation of workers and employers and specified that, in the proposed new structure, the State would only have three representatives out of fourteen members.

A 1.8 billion embezzlement case brought before the courts

Regarding the audit by the Court of Auditors, the minister mentioned an embezzlement estimated at 1.8 billion CFA francs within a social security institution. According to him, the authorities of the institution in question, as well as the State, had requested criminal proceedings. The Court of Auditors has carried out the necessary verifications, and the case is now before the courts. The minister also indicated that the Court of Auditors had proposed an annual audit of social security institutions.

Radisson Diamniadio: meeting scheduled with workers

Another issue raised was that of the Radisson Blu hotel workers in Diamniadio. Mamadou Lamine Dianté recalled meeting with union representatives while he was still a member of the Social Dialogue Council, notably during a hunger strike. He announced a meeting with worker representatives on Monday the 24th at 9:00 a.m. at his ministry to discuss their situation. The minister also indicated that he had been informed of steps being taken to find a buyer to allow the hotel to resume operations.

AIBD: Professional cards for journalists

Regarding the difficulties in accessing Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD), the minister indicated that measures had been taken to allow the professionals concerned to access the site through the issuance of professional cards. He announced that discussions were also underway with the Ministry of Transport. According to him, the new Labor Code should strengthen penalties for denial of access, with fines ranging from 1 to 10 million CFA francs.

Mamadou Lamine Dianté also addressed the situation of former Sotrac, SIAS, and Ama Sénégal employees. He stated that he had followed these cases during his time on the Social Dialogue Council and indicated that he learned through the press of the resumption of their hunger strike. He pledged to meet with them soon to understand the reasons for this renewed mobilization and to find a solution. The minister also mentioned the case of former railway workers in Thiès. According to him, their case has progressed and their entitlements have been paid.

Stability Pact: "To say that the government has done nothing"

Regarding the social stability pact, the minister refuted accusations that the state had failed to honor any of its commitments. He specifically cited the extension of housing allowances to all state employees since January. Mamadou Lamine Dianté emphasized that a stability pact is based on reciprocal commitments between the government, workers, and employers. He particularly deplored the breach of the three-year social stability commitment. In conclusion, the minister reaffirmed his department's willingness to continue the dialogue with labor unions and to review outstanding social issues.