The Syndicat des travailleurs de la justice (SYTJUST) in Senegal has announced plans to take action against the government's inaction on implementing the 2025 agreements signed on August 7, 2025. In a statement, the union's national executive bureau revealed that they have submitted a strike notice to the Minister of Public Service, Labor, and Public Service Reform. Despite prioritizing dialogue and showing responsibility, the union regrets that negotiations have not led to satisfactory solutions.
The dispute primarily concerns the reclassification of workers trained at the Centre de formation judiciaire (CFJ). The SYTJUST strongly rejects the proposed formula based on an equal or immediately higher index, fearing it may harm the professional seniority of the agents concerned and compromise their career continuity. The union is also demanding the preservation of seniority for non-tenured agents joining the corps of court and prosecutor assistants.
Additional demands include retroactive reclassification with payment of salary arrears owed since July 2018, an increase in the retirement age to 65, and a revaluation of staff compensations. The union emphasizes that this move does not constitute a renunciation of dialogue but warns that it reserves the right to trigger strike movements if no significant progress is made within the thirty-day notice period.
The SYTJUST, through its national executive bureau, has declared its willingness to engage in concrete discussions while warning that the government must now demonstrate the necessary political will to avoid another confrontation. The union's leader, Rémi SOUSSO, has not made any public statements yet.
The proposed strike action by the SYTJUST has raised concerns about the potential impact on the country's justice system. If the strike proceeds, it may lead to delays and disruptions in court proceedings, affecting the delivery of justice to citizens.
The Senegalese government has not officially responded to the union's demands or the proposed strike action. However, the Minister of Public Service, Labor, and Public Service Reform is expected to engage with the union leaders to find a resolution to the impasse.
The situation remains tense as the thirty-day notice period begins, with both parties seemingly firm in their positions. The outcome will depend on the government's willingness to address the union's demands and the SYTJUST's determination to press for change.
Key points
- - The SYTJUST union in Senegal has submitted a strike notice over unimplemented 2025 agreements. - The union demands reclassification of workers, preservation of seniority, and revaluation of staff compensations. - The government must demonstrate political will to avoid a confrontation, according to the SYTJUST.
