Yaounde Benskiners announce July 27 strike action

The Union of Benskiners in Cameroon announced a strike action through their president, Charles Pascal Djeumeni, on Monday, July 27, 2015.

In the strike action statement sent to the private daily Mutations, Benskiners demanded that authorities issue them category A driving licenses and also identify clear boundaries and areas where they can use their bikes with ease.

It was however, of no surprise when these grievances were brought to the attention of the authorities in charge of transport in Cameroon, including the Ministry of transportation (Mintrans).

The Union blamed Mintrans of making its members "comply with legislation" through inter alia, the monitoring of the course of conduct in a licensed kindergarten accompanied by a driver's licence and permit issued to motorcycles-riders who brilliantly faced the national examination.

In this regard, said the trade unionist, Charles Pascal Djeumeni, on June 14, 2014, “the departmental delegate of transport of the Minister of transport had launched a special session for obtaining the driving licence category A. Many of our members adhered to this measure which permits them to be holders of a driving licence. But so far, we have had no follow up".

They also complained of the recurrent problem of restricted areas to Benskiners in many major cities of Cameroon such as Douala, Nkongsamba, Bafoussam, Yaoundé, Maroua and many others.

He concluded stating: "through the strike, Minister of transport, Prof. Robert Nkili, and his executives will at least know that we are serious. We just want to make sure our driving licences are issued. In the absence of a solution to the problems raised by the Benskiners through their unions, the July 27 strike is maintained.