Employees at the Autonomous Port of Lomé have officially issued a strike notice for a three-day work stoppage scheduled from June 25 to June 27, 2026. This industrial action follows a series of general assemblies held since October 2025, during which staff members expressed deep dissatisfaction with the lack of progress regarding their professional and social welfare demands.
Escalating labor disputes
The social climate at the Autonomous Port of Lomé remains highly volatile. For several months, personnel have been protesting against what they describe as grueling working conditions, characterized by stagnant wages, inadequate medical coverage for workplace accidents, and a glaring lack of safety equipment at multiple sites. Despite repeated warnings from labor representatives, the union contends that management has failed to offer any concrete solutions during recent discussions.
This labor unrest impacts a vital economic pillar. The port serves as a hub for over 3,000 dockers and other personnel whose roles are fundamental to the economic vitality of Togo. For those planning to strike, the movement is about more than just internal grievances; it is a fight to preserve the operational integrity of a major national asset through fair treatment.
Specific grievances on the table
The union’s list of demands is comprehensive. Key requirements include the establishment of a unified status for all personnel, the strict observance of daily breaks and weekly rest periods, and the guaranteed provision of annual leave along with its associated bonus. Furthermore, there is a push for the collective establishment agreement to be extended to tallymen who are currently treated as dockers.
The workforce is also calling for:
- The payment of overtime in strict accordance with current labor regulations.
- The formal registration of all temporary dockers with the National Social Security Fund (CNSS).
- The introduction of specialized allowances, including dirt and handling bonuses.
- The recognition of original recruitment dates for career advancement and seniority purposes.
- Greater transparency on pay stubs, ensuring that professional classifications and benefits are clearly listed.
A call for collective action
Union leaders have called upon all staff at the Autonomous Port of Lomé to cease operations during the designated three-day period and to remain away from their workstations. While the call for mobilization is widespread, the union reminded workers that the right to strike is an individual prerogative, leaving each employee free to decide on their participation.
This scheduled walkout places significant pressure on the port’s leadership. Within a strategic organization already grappling with substantial debt, finding a resolution to this social conflict has become a matter of both institutional stability and sound governance.