In presenting his New Year’s greetings to his compatriots on December 31, the Beninese head of state promised a ” revaluation » wages to workers. Tuesday April 26, Patrice Talon starts the negotiations receiving the unions and the employers. The meeting is a first, the subjects claims “are dealt with by a consultation committee” government-unions », led by ministers. The meeting, which is being held in a context of a sharp rise in the cost of living, arouses interest and hopes.
With our correspondent in Cotonou, Jean-Luc Aplogan
Patrice Talon has invited the three recognized union confederations and the two employers’ associations to this meeting. At his side, several ministers, in particular that of Labor and his Minister of State in charge of the country’s Finances, Romuald Wadagni.
The last wage increase dates back to 2011 and the Beninese minimum wage, which is 40,000 CFA francs, has not changed since 2014.
Union leaders are hoping that Patrice Talon will make concrete announcements. A union leader contacted by telephone wants this to be the index point that is raised so as not to exclude retirees, another pleads for a framework agreement over three or four years with an annual increase in income.
According to our information, the Head of State and his teams worked until Monday April 25 on several options.
There is an urgent need to increase wages and the Smig to relieve Beninese facing for dear life. While this is a recurring demand from unions, it is also a presidential promise to honor. And then there are urgent and imperative recruitment needs in several sectors.
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