Some former temporal workers of the Douala Shipyard and Industrial Engineering Complex, Chantier Naval, where joined by another set of former workers from a Timber Processing Company, PLACAM for a strike in Douala. Both groups have been protested on the streets of Douala and even blocked the main access road leading to the Douala Port on Monday, 17th October 2016 over none payment of their social dues and better working conditions.

PLACAM workers who coincidentally were striking on the same spot as the ex-temporal workers of Chantier Naval said they wanted some of their colleagues who were unlawfully dismissed reintegrated. The former workers of Chantier Naval claimed that government recently made available 4 billion CFA francs as dues owed them, but they have so far received only one billion.

The striking action that started on the Wouri Bridge reportedly slowed down the flow of traffic. Security forces where however on hand to ensure that there were no excesses. The Regional Delegate of Labour and Social Security for the Littoral, Balbin Nkono explained that her services were contacted in 2010 by the former temporal workers of Douala Shipyard and Industrial engineering complex. A conciliation agreement was reached and signed by both parties. The former temporal workers signed freely the separation agreement and since then no complain have been received in her office. She said the agreement prohibited any further claims.

Regarding the strike by PLACAM workers, the delegate noted that the dismissal of 160 workers by the company sparked the unrest. She said negotiations have been launched with the former employers to ensure that all the ex-workers dues were paid.

CRTV