The Syndicat unique des travailleurs de l’électricité (SUTELEC) in Senegal has expressed deep concern over the government's failure to fulfill its promises, particularly regarding unpaid debts and bonuses. A meeting at the Cap des Biches training center in Rufisque saw union members address the government's inaction. The debt owed to SENELEC is estimated at over 500 billion F CFA, and the union demands immediate payment.
SUTELEC's national secretary-general, Mohamed Habib AIDARA, warned that if their demands are not met, the union will join forces with the Front syndical de defense du travail (FSDT) to plunge the country into darkness. The union is pressing for the immediate payment of the Prime sur le résultat annuel bénéficiaire (Prab) and has called on its members to follow FSDT's strike notice if a satisfactory solution isn't provided.
AIDARA attributed the recent surge in power outages to the government's inability to properly supply SENELEC's central power plants. He also criticized the government's strategy of using gas to generate power, citing the state's failure to provide necessary gas supplies to SENELEC. This has resulted in strained finances for SENELEC due to unpaid electricity bills and delayed compensation.
According to AIDARA, the Senegalese state owes SENELEC around 600 billion F CFA in compensation and unpaid electricity bills for administrative buildings. He described the situation as unsustainable and urged the government to address the issue urgently. The union also opposes the proposed filialization of SENELEC and the return of Akilee.
The SUTELEC leader revealed that SENELEC has made significant performance improvements under current management, including increased revenue and reduced charges. In 2023, SENELEC's performance improved from 81 billion 900 million to 83 billion 01 million. The union sees no justification for the proposed filialization of SENELEC.
AIDARA emphasized that SENELEC's primary performance indicator is its revenue, which has shown positive growth. The union reduced compensation tariffs by 46 billion F CFA and decreased charges by 5%, resulting in a 36 billion F CFA profit for the state. The union remains opposed to Akilee's return and the planned filialization.
The situation remains tense as SUTELEC and the government engage in discussions. The union has called on President and his government to intervene and address their concerns. The threat of a nationwide blackout looms large if an agreement is not reached soon. The Senegalese government faces mounting pressure to resolve the issue and prevent a potential crisis.
Key points
- SUTELEC demands immediate payment of 500 billion F CFA in debt and annual profit bonuses.
- The union opposes the proposed filialization of SENELEC and the return of Akilee.
- A nationwide blackout is threatened if the government's inaction persists.
