Customs: the decree of discord

Posted on 04.28.2023 at 10:16 a.m. by Fatoumata Maguiraga

In a statement dated April 23, 2023, the National Union of Customs Workers (SNTD) decided to suspend its strike slogan for April 25, 26 and 27, 2023. If this is a relief for the actors of the economy, this watchword comes against a backdrop of differences between the soldiers of the economy, whose performance had recently been praised by the authorities.

The strike was suspended in particular because of the latest events that have affected the country and caused civilian and military casualties. SNTD officials also mention the involvement of several resource persons thanks to whom they suspended the strike order to “give negotiations a chance”, specifies the press release, signed by the union’s Secretary General, Issiaka Moussa Kaboré.

One of the reasons for this notice is to be found in the rejection of the decree of March 16, 2023 modifying the decree of 2013 on the special status of the Customs executive. The decree only makes one modification concerning the introduction of the ranks of inspector general and colonel-major, which are extended to all inspectors of exceptional class. A decree which “awards them stripes” but does not grant them any advantages and withdraws those granted by the 1982 law, complains the SNTD. In addition, “a decree cannot repeal the old law of 1982”, maintains Mr. Kaboré.

Special status?

Instead of the special status, it is the appendix of the 2013 decree which has been taken up, explains a manager. All those who are not category A and B2 inspectors are struck by this note. Junior officers are all concerned.

The decree of 2013, which could not be applied, did not take seniority into account and many may find themselves with years of seniority in lower grades. But the problem is “that there is no economic interest and that is what is disturbing”, he insists.

But, while they say they are always ready for dialogue, SNTD officials deplore the refusal of the Customs management to receive them for discussion. Which also led to the strike notice, according to them. They therefore hope that the lull thus observed will be used to find a solution that will lead to a rereading of the incriminated decree.

Customs officials were delighted with the record revenue of 70.620 billion CFA francs in December 2022 and were encouraged by the authorities to continue in the same direction in 2023.