The government had already started the privatisation process and had invited parties to submit their interest to operate the concession – one of the biggest companies operating in the country’s railways, inland navigation and ports – by 9 November.
In his letter, ITF general secretary Steve Cotton had expressed concern that the unions had not been involved as social partners in the process of restructuring as legally required and that union leaders faced intimidation and threats simply for representing workers. He also commented that such privatisation would affect both workers and the public.
Joelle Mputu Meba, vice-chair in charge of gender at Solidarité Syndicale des Travailleurs et Cadres du Congo, sent a message of thanks to the ITF, in which she said: “We are glad to make you aware hot from the victory of the ITF and its affiliates in SCTP-SA on the restructuring of the company. The joint communiqué signed with the government and the trade union bench SCTP SA ended the strike on Wednesday, which did not even last three hours! Big thank you to the ITF!”
Jean Bedel, ITF national co-ordinator in the DRC, added that Cotton’s letter had exerted real pressure on the government, which had now agreed to involve the unions and consider workers’ concerns in the restructuring.
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