As the Senegalese government prepares to sign a new concession contract for the Dakar shipyards, Dakarnave workers, through their College of Staff Representatives, have taken to the streets to voice their concerns and set out their conditions.

Meeting for a press briefing on August 6, the delegates reviewed the shipyard's history, recalling that 26 years ago, Dakarnave was in ruins. According to them, it took "colossal efforts and the tireless commitment of workers" to turn things around as part of the partnership established between the Senegalese government and the Portuguese company Lisnave through its local subsidiary Dakarnave.

Today, as the government prepares to relaunch a so-called inclusive and transparent call for tenders, staff representatives are warning of the underhanded maneuvers that almost hijacked the process for the benefit of obscure interests, under the cover of defense secrecy. A situation that, according to them, was only corrected thanks to the direct intervention of the President of the Republic.

Despite the stated desire for transparency, workers denounce their marginalization in key discussions, particularly the development of the specifications for the new concession contract. "It is unacceptable that workers, who are on the front lines, are excluded from the technical committee responsible for defining the future of the company," the delegates declared.

They also regret that their major demands have still not been taken into account, in particular: workers' participation in the capital of the future company at a rate of 10%, full consideration of the draft collective establishment agreement, the introduction of a housing allowance, and an entry ticket reserved at a rate of 10% in favor of workers.

Staff representatives emphasize the need to establish a broader consultation framework, including workers in all phases of the process. In their view, the success of the new contract will depend on the ability of the state, the strategic partner, and workers to defend converging interests.

"This is not just an economic contract, but a social and industrial pact that commits the future of the shipyards and hundreds of families," concludes the College of Delegates.

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