The Port of Cotonou in Benin recently held elections for personnel delegates on October 29, 2026. The elections mark a significant milestone in the port's labor union history. A new union, Syntu-Pac, emerged with 46.12% of the total votes, challenging the long-dominant Syntrapac. Syntu-Pac, formed just a month before the elections, ran under the "Unity" list and garnered substantial support from workers.
The elections saw a close contest between Syntu-Pac's "Unity" list and Syntrapac's "Consensus" list. Syntu-Pac secured 236 votes, while Syntrapac received 264 votes, accounting for 53.88% of the total votes. Despite being a new entity, Syntu-Pac managed to present candidates across various electoral colleges and established itself as a representative force. The union's creation on September 26, 2026, gave it a relatively short period to organize and campaign.
The results reveal a highly competitive landscape, particularly among titular supervisory staff. Out of 273 votes cast, Syntrapac's "Consensus" list received 138 votes, while Syntu-Pac's "Unity" list secured 135 votes, a margin of just three votes. In the category of supervisory staff substitutes, Syntu-Pac obtained 45.22% of the votes, and Syntrapac garnered 54.78%.
Syntu-Pac made significant inroads in other categories, including titular cadres, where it secured 80 votes, or 44.20%, compared to Syntrapac's 101 votes, or 55.80%. Among substitute execution agents, Syntu-Pac obtained 45.65% of the votes. A total of 510 out of 573 registered voters participated in the elections, indicating a high level of worker mobilization.
Although Syntrapac retained the majority and secured the first titular delegate seats, Syntu-Pac's emergence has altered the representation dynamics. The close results in certain categories highlight the existence of diverse sentiments among workers. This development places both organizations in a position to engage in social dialogue and defend personnel interests.
The elections have opened a new chapter in labor relations at the Port of Cotonou. With 46.12% of the votes in its first participation, Syntu-Pac has established itself as a key player in union representation. The new union's performance underscores the growing importance of pluralism in the port's labor landscape.
As the Port of Cotonou continues to evolve, the relationships between workers, unions, and management will likely be influenced by the emergence of Syntu-Pac. The union's ability to mobilize support and engage in dialogue will be crucial in shaping the port's future. Sergino Lokossou reported on the elections for Le Matinal.
Key points
- Syntu-Pac gained 46.12% of votes in its first participation in personnel delegate elections at the Port of Cotonou.
- The elections saw a close contest between Syntu-Pac and long-dominant Syntrapac.
- Syntu-Pac's emergence marks a shift towards pluralism in union representation at the Port of Cotonou.
