Douala: Police teargas steel company workers demanding better conditions

Some workers of Acieries Du Cameroun, a metallurgy company in Cameroon’s economic capital, Douala were teargassed last night during a peaceful protest.

The workers had assembled at the enterprise’s entrance to demand better working conditions and pay including risk allowances, salary increments, and lodging facilities.

“I have been working here for about 11 years today. Others have worked for about 25 years with a salary of 58,000FCFA,” revealed one of the protesting workers.

Their protest, he said, came after they had written to hierarchy and had no response.

“We gathered yesterday evening at 6PM asking for our rights… at about 10PM, they called in the police which came and started shooting teargas at us,” he explained.

He added that they had no option but to run and leave their bikes at the scene.

“Some got home at 12 midnight and don’t even have access to their bikes. We want the world to know and see how they are treating Cameroonians. Some have worked for over 25 years and others for 30. At the end of the day, you teargas them for asking for their rights,” a disgruntled worker remarked.

The workers, he added, have decided not to relent till their demands are met.

Officials of the enterprise are yet to issue any statement.

Acieries Du Cameroun produces items made of steel such as nails, corrugated iron sheets and electric cables.