Cameroon Development Corporation Workers Protest Unpaid Salaries as Delays Persist

Speaking in a press interview on November 12, Njie acknowledged the difficult situation facing the CDC workforce due to delayed salaries.

The comments followed a strike on November 12 by CDC employees in several locations, including Tiko, Penamboko, and Idenau, who were protesting unpaid salary arrears and irregular wage payments. Videos shared online depicted workers’ frustrations as they highlighted their ongoing hardships.

Progress and Challenges

Njie said that the issue of unpaid salaries was well-known and had been addressed in several discussions with the government and other stakeholders. He explained that the state had agreed to cover the salary debt for the period between 2018 and December 31, 2022, totaling FCFA 35.7 billion. This sum is expected to be paid in two installments, with an agreement already signed for the disbursement.

The GM acknowledged that workers had expected the first installment to be paid by the end of September, but delays had occurred. He clarified that the hold-up was not due to any fault of CDC Management or the government but was linked to issues with the commercial bank initially chosen to facilitate the payment.

Bank Delays and Revisions

Njie detailed that the bank encountered problems with conformance and capacity, which forced the government and CDC to reconsider their choice. The delay prompted other banks to express interest, leading to negotiations and a more thorough due diligence process.

“We have lost a lot of time,” Njie said, though he remained optimistic about the progress being made. He noted that a proposal had been identified as potentially suitable, and the final details were being worked out before being presented to the Minister of Finance for approval.

Union Cooperation and Calls for Calm

Following the strike, CDC Management met with the leaders of the five trade unions representing the corporation’s workers. Both sides agreed on the need to restore calm and continue working together toward resolving the issue. The GM stressed that significant progress had already been made, and workers should remain hopeful.

A statement issued by CDC Management after the meeting reassured workers that the state and other stakeholders were aware of the urgency of the situation. “We are calling on workers to stay calm, maintain an optimistic spirit, and exercise patience,” the statement read.

No Timeline for Payment

Asked when workers could expect to receive the first installment of the salary arrears, Njie declined to provide a specific timeline. He emphasized that technical issues still needed to be addressed, adding, “I call for serenity without giving a time frame, as there are technical matters to be handled by the competent authorities.”

The delay in payment continues to put pressure on the CDC workforce, but Njie’s comments suggest that efforts are underway to resolve the issue. The situation remains under close scrutiny as workers await the long-overdue payment of salary arrears.