The coordination of telecom operator unions held a press conference this Wednesday, September 25, 2024, to challenge the new government on the problems plaguing their sector.
They noted that for decades, unions in the telecommunications sector have been involved in the fight for Senegal’s digital sovereignty without chauvinism.
However, they demand from the State:
– The holding of national meetings on the digital issue. Meetings which will bring together the State, workers, private sector, experts and academics in order to define a national vision and an inclusive digital development strategy;
– Stopping the diversion of objectives of funds intended for the FDSUT, recalling that we have since requested an audit. This is a requirement of JUB – JUBAL – JUBANTI;
– The development of a national strategic plan to empower human resources for the preservation of jobs and the employability of young graduates in the face of changes caused by technologies such as Artificial Intelligence;
– The promotion of education in scientific culture like the Nationwide
– Scientific Literacy Action Plan of the People’s Republic of China;
– The promotion of research and development in the digital field;
– The promotion of a digital industry;
– The creation of a National Digital Office under the authority of the Prime Minister to replace the National Digital Council;
-The establishment of a framework for exchanges and consultations with the various players in the telecommunications and digital ecosystem guaranteeing better inclusion and participation
– The resumption by the State of its role as guarantor of the shareholding pact which links it with SONATEL’s strategic partner, France Télécom.
– Stopping the cannibalization of the sector consisting of entrusting essential activities to structures belonging to the operators themselves. A charcuterie that doesn’t say its name;
-The reconfiguration of shareholding at operator level through the entry of the State and workers into their capital;
The negotiation of a collective agreement specific to the Digital sector.
For the moment, trade unionists have started meetings with all the active forces of the nation, namely religious authorities, government authorities, political parties, employers, journalists, consumers, to raise awareness of the importance of their sector and the merits of their claims.
