Togo: Unions ask government to ensure that the new minimum wage is applied to all companies
Wednesday, 03 May 2023 17:43 
(Togo First) - Gilbert Bawara, the Togolese minister of labor and social dialogue, met with representatives from some local unions on Labor Day, May 1. During the meeting, they requested the government's help to ensure the new minimum wage of CFA52,500 is applied to all companies.
Emmanuel Agbenou, Spokesman for the trade union centers, said, "We have asked the government to strengthen and improve state support for trade union organizations to provide training and labor education for workers."
The representatives also urged the implementation of a plan to support Small and Medium Enterprises and Industries affected by economic conditions. “We have also requested the extension of social measures to the informal sector, including health insurance and social protection. And we asked employers to promote social dialogue to resolve problems and avoid conflicts,” Agbenou reported, adding that they also asked the government to “strengthen the partnership between the state and denominational education.”
Progress acknowledged
However, the unions acknowledged the progress made in recent years, such as the 10% improvement in civil servants’ wages, transport allowances, and the revitalization of the national framework for social dialogue through the National Social Dialogue Forum. They also noted a 50% increase in the minimum wage in the private sector and the launch of universal health insurance.
After taking stock of the unions’ requests, Minister Bawara praised the unions and employers for having acknowledged, "with honesty and sincerity, the significant progress made by the government". "No work is perfect, and we will keep listening," the official added.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
