Côte d'Ivoire's G8, comprising eight trade unions, has initiated a strategic reflection on the outcomes of two social truces with the government and the prospects of future negotiations. The G8 recently convened an atelier in Grand-Bassam, bringing together around fifty union leaders, negotiators, and trainers. The event aimed to enhance their understanding of social dialogue mechanisms, assess the achievements of the 2017-2022 and 2022-2027 social truces, and prepare for a new collective negotiation approach.
The atelier, which took place from October 29 to 31, 2026, seeks to strengthen the capacities of union actors in preventive and peaceful management of professional conflicts. It also aims to establish a concerted approach in preparation for future discussions with the government. The G8's initiative has been welcomed by the Ministry of Public Service, which reaffirms its commitment to structured, responsible, and permanent social dialogue.
Since 2017, the Ivoirian government and the G8 have prioritized dialogue and negotiation to resolve professional disputes in the public administration. This approach has led to the establishment of several institutional mechanisms, including the Committee for Social Dialogue in Public Service and the Sectoral Committee for Social Dialogue. These efforts have also contributed to the reactivation of the Consultative Committee for Public Service.
Despite these advancements, some union members and non-affiliated unions have initiated strike movements and made demands since the signing of the second social truce. The G8 attributes these tensions to insufficient appropriation of social dialogue instruments, a lack of basic union training, and a persistent culture of confrontation in some circles.
Soro Mamadou, Secretary-General of the Humanism trade union and spokesperson for the G8, emphasized the importance of this atelier in consolidating social dialogue and preparing for the 2027 negotiations. He explained that the event provides an opportunity for union organizations to evaluate the two social truces, examining achievements, engagements, shortcomings, and future prospects.
The G8 aims to make social dialogue a reflex in union organizations and better equip their representatives to anticipate, prevent, and resolve professional conflicts. The group plans to engage in an internal consultation process with various groups and unions to gather concerns, identify structures for exchanges, and establish an inclusive work calendar.
The synthesis of reflections from the atelier will be transmitted to the Minister of State for Public Service and Modernization of Administration to inform future discussions. Soro Mamadou expressed gratitude to the minister for sending a representative to the event, indicating the government's interest in strengthening social dialogue.
Key points
- The G8 is preparing for 2027 negotiations with the government by assessing the outcomes of two social truces and strengthening the capacities of union actors.
- The atelier aims to enhance understanding of social dialogue mechanisms and establish a concerted approach for future discussions with the government.
- The G8's initiative has been welcomed by the Ministry of Public Service, which reaffirms its commitment to structured, responsible, and permanent social dialogue.
