The Syndicat des travailleurs du sucre (Sytrasuc), affiliated with the Confédération syndicale des travailleurs du Gabon (CSTG), initiated the strike on October 1, 2026, following a notice submitted on September 18. The union cites a continuous deterioration in working conditions, including insufficient personal protective equipment, inadequate medical follow-up for employees exposed to chemicals, and the absence of a workplace safety and health committee.
The union also denounces the closure of the workers' recreational center and restricted access to the company store, as well as the lack of a yearly training plan, a forward-looking management of jobs and skills, and the non-implementation of a joint commission for interpreting collective agreements. Sytrasuc emphasizes that despite the company's reported revenue of over 7.43 billion FCFA from sugar sales between January and September 2026, workers' safety, health, and benefits have not been prioritized.
In response, the management of Sucreries du Gabon has assured the continuity of operations, urging employees to exercise civism and responsibility. A circular note dated October 2 states that the strike is taking place in a peaceful and responsible climate, guaranteeing the freedom to work for non-striking staff. The company has implemented a minimum service to maintain essential activities, including water treatment, fire safety, electrical and mechanical maintenance, and medical care.
However, the meeting on October 1 failed to bring the parties closer together, with Sytrasuc claiming that management reduced the agenda to four points, leaving aside three key demands. The union has recorded a non-conciliation report and a minutes of absence. The conflict also revolves around disciplinary proceedings against Sytrasuc's secretary-general, Jasmin Armel Boumy, which the union sees as an intimidation measure.
Sytrasuc demands the dismissal of the disciplinary proceedings, written guarantees against sanctions or reprisals against strikers and their representatives, and a protocol agreement with an execution schedule. The resumption of work is conditional on these requirements being met. Meanwhile, the minimum service arrangement prevents total paralysis but the persistence of the conflict may impact workers' income and benefits.
The ongoing conflict may have far-reaching consequences, not only for workers and their families but also for the sugar supply chain. The company's management and the union have not yet found a resolution, and the situation remains uncertain. The strike has entered its seventh day, with no clear end in sight.
As the situation continues to unfold, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments, hoping for a swift resolution to the conflict. The impact of the strike on the sugar industry and the broader economy remains to be seen. Key parties involved are working to find a solution, but a breakthrough has yet to be achieved.
Key points
- Sucreries du Gabon workers have begun an indefinite strike citing poor working conditions and unpaid benefits.
- The strike has entered its seventh day, with no clear end in sight, and may impact workers' income and benefits.
- The conflict may have far-reaching consequences for the sugar supply chain and the broader economy.
