Motor-taxi unions in Douala, led by Issa Kayreou, the national president of the Douala moto taxi trade union, and Robert Kayuo, the secretary, have announced plans for a peaceful strike scheduled for November 28, 2023. The objective of this work stoppage is to spotlight the challenges faced by motor-taxi drivers and to demand enhancements to their working conditions.
Mobilising their members through the distribution of leaflets with the message “Let’s safeguard our profession by turning off our engines on November 28, 2023, to demand improved working conditions,” the unions are seeking participation in the strike to underscore three critical issues:
- Municipal Police Harassment: Motor taxi drivers contend with frequent harassment and arbitrary fines from municipal police officers, significantly impacting their earnings and overall livelihood.
- Illegal Motorcycle Imports: The surge of illegally imported motorcycles into Cameroon poses a threat to licenced motor taxi drivers, creating unfair competition and undermining industry regulations.
- Special Exams for Category A Licence: The unions advocate for the introduction of specialised exams tailored for motor-taxi drivers to obtain a Category A license. This move aims to streamline the licencing process, ensuring that operators possess the requisite skills and knowledge.
The planned peaceful strike on November 28 signifies the culmination of sustained efforts by Douala motor-taxi unions to address these pressing issues. By unifying their voices and taking a collective stance, they aspire to bring attention to the challenges they endure and call for substantive changes that will enhance their working conditions and protect their profession.
In a city like Douala, where moto-taxis serve as a primary means of transportation, the impact of such a strike, especially on a regular workday, could be substantial.
Strikes have become a common recourse for various trade unions to voice their grievances to the government, occasionally yielding unexpected outcomes.
