Workers at Sucreries du Gabon (SUCGA) in Franceville, Gabon, have initiated an indefinite strike following a call by the Syndicat des travailleurs du sucre (Sytrasuc), an affiliate of the Confédération syndicale gabonaise (CSTG). The strike began on Wednesday, October 8, 2026, after a notice of strike was filed on September 18. According to the union, the strike is in response to various grievances, including degraded working conditions and insufficient personal protective equipment.
The Sytrasuc has expressed concerns over the lack of a Committee on occupational safety and health, as well as the elimination of certain social benefits, such as the closure of the workers' lounge and restricted access to the company store. The union also demands the implementation of an annual training plan, a forward-looking management of jobs and skills, and a joint commission for interpretation. These demands contrast with the company's reported performance, with sugar sales generating over 7.43 billion FCFA from January to September 2026.
In response to the strike, the management of SUCGA stated that operations continue in a peaceful climate, ensuring that non-striking employees are free to work. The company has guaranteed that access to different sites remains open and that a minimum service is provided in several sectors, including water treatment, fire safety, maintenance, and certain administrative functions. However, the attempt at conciliation on October 1 did not yield an agreement, with the union citing a restrictive agenda that omitted essential demands.
The dispute has intensified due to a disciplinary procedure initiated against Jasmin Armel Boumy, the secretary-general of Sytrasuc. The union views this procedure as an intimidation tactic and demands its dismissal, along with written guarantees against sanctions targeting strikers and their representatives. The union has set conditions for the resumption of work, including the signing of a protocol agreement with an execution schedule, resolution of the disciplinary procedure, and firm commitments from management in favor of employees.
The current situation at SUCGA follows the company's establishment in 2024, when the Gabonese state acquired Sucrerie africaine du Gabon (SUCAF). The company is currently owned 90% by MFB Gabon and 10% by the Gabonese state. The history of the sugar industry in Haut-Ogooué dates back to the Société sucrière du Haut-Ogooué (SOSUHO). The union emphasizes that the current situation of employees contrasts with the company's performance.
The strike has significant implications for the sugar industry in Gabon, which is a major economic sector in the country. The industry has experienced challenges in recent years, including changes in ownership and management. The union's demands highlight the need for improved working conditions and social benefits for employees in the sector. The outcome of the strike will likely have far-reaching consequences for the industry and its stakeholders.
As the strike continues, both parties are expected to engage in further negotiations to resolve the dispute. The Sytrasuc has expressed its willingness to negotiate, but only if its demands are met. The company's management has also stated its commitment to finding a solution, but the situation remains uncertain. The impact of the strike on the sugar industry in Gabon and the economy as a whole remains to be seen.
Key points
- Workers at Sucreries du Gabon in Franceville have begun an indefinite strike over poor working conditions and inadequate equipment.
- The strike has been called by the Syndicat des travailleurs du sucre, an affiliate of the Confédération syndicale gabonaise.
- The dispute has intensified due to a disciplinary procedure initiated against the secretary-general of the union.
