The Ministry of Public Service has extensively addressed the sensitive issue of working conditions in Senegal, both in the public and private sectors. Olivier Boucal spoke in plenary session at the National Assembly during the review of his ministry's 2026 budget. He acknowledged both the existing shortcomings and the efforts undertaken to improve the situation of workers. According to him, "the problem of working conditions is cross-cutting." While it is frequently denounced in the private sector, where non-compliance with labor laws is regularly observed, it also remains a concern in the public sector. The labor administration, although active in the field in monitoring the nature of contracts, worker registration, social security contributions, and occupational risk coverage, remains limited in its prerogatives. "The labor inspector is sometimes attributed powers he doesn't possess. He doesn't impose sanctions directly. He draws up a report and forwards it to the public prosecutor," he said. He emphasized that this procedure considerably lengthens the process, sometimes by as much as two or three years. This situation often discourages affected workers. Faced with this reality, the ministry is counting on the new Labor Code, currently under review, which aims to grant more powers to labor inspectors. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on it very soon, paving the way for its adoption by the Council of Ministers. This reform is considered essential to make administrative action faster and more efficient.

 

Wages, career and social dialogue: an update

 

Contrary to popular belief, salaries have not stagnated in Senegal, the Ministry emphasized. Since 2022, several increases have been recorded, and according to authorities, salaries have nearly doubled in some periods. Career prospects certainly exist, even if they vary depending on the department and employment status. Social dialogue is presented as a permanent priority. "We don't wait for a strike to engage in dialogue. Dialogue with our social partners is ongoing," the Ministry insisted, referring to a relationship based on transparency and frankness, as advocated by the Prime Minister. Regarding the housing allowance, its widespread implementation follows an agreement signed in 2022 with the unions. However, the legal process for establishing and implementing this allowance still requires regulatory texts, which are currently being reviewed and approved.

 

Retirement and the situation of decision-makers: significant progress

 

Significant progress has been made on the issue of retirement. Today, civil servants can receive their pension the month after they leave the workforce, thanks to an early retirement system implemented particularly for those receiving the National Retirement Fund (FNR). This is a significant step forward aimed at reducing the stress associated with this transition. Another crucial point concerns the situation of decision-making agents, long considered an injustice. Trained in the same schools as civil servants, holding the same degrees, and performing the same functions, they nevertheless did not benefit from the same conditions for integration and advancement. Two texts were recently adopted by the Council of Ministers to end this inequality by aligning their status with that of civil servants.

 

Local civil service and social inclusion

 

Regarding local government, the Ministry of Public Service provides technical support, but management is mainly the responsibility of the Ministry in charge of local authorities.

Finally, regarding the inclusion of people with disabilities, Senegal has a solid legal framework, even though some implementing regulations are still pending. A 15% quota for public sector recruitment is planned, and mechanisms are already integrated into recruitment platforms to facilitate this inclusion. The situation of dockworkers, who have gone 14 months without pay, was also addressed. It is linked to social security contribution issues, but according to the authorities, steps are being taken with recruitment agencies and the labor inspectorate to find a lasting solution.