Fishing vessel workers protest poor working conditions, demand amelioration from Chinese employers

Employees of a Chinese fishing company in Youpwe Douala have staged an indefinite strike that began on May 1, 2024, against poor working conditions.

“We insist on being bearers of a work contract. Our miserable salaries should be increased. They should start by paying salaries of the months owed to us”.
“None of us here is affiliated to the National Social Insurance Fund. We need that affiliation. Our health conditions should also be ameliorated, through health insurance. When you are sick they contemplate whether or not to assist you,” some of the striking workers disclosed.

The fishing vessels workers of Cameroonian origin also revealed enduring maltreatment from their Chinese employers at sea.

“We cohabitate with rats and cockroaches. They are unable to come and disinfect the fishing vessels, whereas at the port they have technicians for that,” another worker revealed.

Such maltreatment has reportedly led to the demise of two workers recently. According to the protesters, ” their colleagues died of cholera since they were consuming unhealthy water”.

Attempts have been made by CNA to get a statement from the management of the Chinese fishing company but they have been futile so far.