A CBA in the Nigerien oil sector, within a Chinese-owned firm: a rare achievement.
The oil sector in Niger is complex, as it is dominated by multinationals and lacks in transparency on labour conditions. However, a historic turning point occurred in 2024: for the first time, CNPC/NP (China National Petroleum Corporation/Niger Petroleum), a local Chinese company, has officially recognized the internal union SATRAP, the Independent Union of Oil Workers. This recognition is the outcome of an extensive process of social dialogue, actively supported by CNV Internationaal
The story of SATRAP is an exemplary case of social dialogue, because it shows how social dialogue can contribute to constructive change, even in companies that are at first hostile to trade unions. The importance of international solidary organizations, such as CNV Internationaal, is also highlighted, as this has shown that these are crucial in their support to trade unions in complex, and sometimes hostile, environments.
“What we have learned is that union resilience and good support can open doors that were thought to stay closed. Our members' successes are our successes. Today, other Nigerien unions are drawing inspiration from them.”
Ms. Safouratou, coordinator of CNT Niger
Working conditions in need of improvement
CNPC/NP has 700 employees (of which 421 are Nigeriens), and it operates in the extraction, transport and marketing of oil. Nigerien workers faced extremely precarious living and working conditions, such as a lack of social dialogue, low wages and no recognized channels of representation. A first attempt at unionization was brutally suppressed in 2016, and SATRAP was eventually established in 2017. SATRAP received its first invitation to a union roundtable by Nigerien authorities in 2022, which marked the first official recognition of the union’s existence.
CNV Internationaal has been working with SATRAP through CNT (the Nigerien workers confederation), to strengthen SATRAP’s capacities in several areas. We have assisted the union by training them in collective bargaining techniques and social dialogue, and by providing them with support for union leadership and strategic support in their preparation of demands and advocacy.
January 2024: Signing of a collective agreement
CNPC signed a company agreement with SATRAP in January 2024, after several months of negotiations. This was an extraordinary event in the Nigerien oil sector, and even more rare in a Chinese-owned company. The collective agreement includes: a doubling of the basic salary, a daily bonus for field workers, and a union office within the company.
Mr. Tinni, “This agreement is a victory over silence, it is proof of change and that the situation can only continue to improve.”
The challenge for SATRAP now is to ensure the successful implementation of this agreement, to strengthen the social dialogue in the company, and to extend these gains to other companies in the sector. This story shows that committed unions, organized workers, and active partners can achieve meaningful social change to enhance the well-being of workers.
Publication date 19 06 2025
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