A delegation from the Association of Former Temporary Railway Workers of Senegal visited Kaffrine yesterday as part of a national tour to gather information and collect administrative files. This mission is part of the implementation of recommendations from the last meeting with the government regarding the adjustment of pensions for former railway workers.

According to Aly Diallo Sow, president of the Association of Former Temporary Workers, "today we are in Kaffrine, in accordance with the recommendations from the last meeting with the State, concerning the adjustment of railway workers' pensions. This is naturally a continuation of our visits to former railway workers."

The main objective of this tour is to encourage beneficiaries, particularly widows and orphans, to complete their files with the required legal documents. "The goal of this mission is to ask beneficiaries to complete their files with the necessary legal documents, including attestations and certificates of no objection, which are essential for regularizing their situation," explained Mr. Sow.

The president of the Entente revisited the historical difficulties that have affected the railway sector. "As you know, for several decades, the company has undergone numerous transformations. These changes have unfortunately led to excesses that have profoundly affected workers, retirees, and their families," he lamented.

Among the problems raised are the non-payment of contributions, the failure to declare certain workers, and the low or even non-existent pensions for many retirees. "Many contributions have not been paid, which has caused significant losses for many families. Some workers were never declared, while others do not receive a pension or receive very small amounts," he added.

Faced with this situation, the Entente says it has appealed to the highest authorities of the State. "Today, with the new regime and the recommendations of the President of the Republic during his visit to Thiès, we have appealed to the Minister of Finance as well as the Minister of Transport so that this situation is definitively resolved," stated Aly Diallo Sow.

The tour also aims to assess the amounts owed and establish a payment schedule. "The objective of this tour is to assess the amounts owed, set a timetable, and reach a final solution as quickly as possible," he explained, while expressing confidence in the outcome of the case. "We have received firm commitments from the authorities, and we hope that this matter will be resolved soon."

Regarding the amounts involved, the president of the Entente provided clarifications. "The 7 billion 600 million CFA francs concern the remaining arrears. Part of these amounts corresponds to penalties owed by the State, particularly in connection with the resumption of railway activities," he indicated.

Furthermore, the former temporary workers welcomed the new authorities' stated commitment to reviving the railway. "We welcome this revival with great satisfaction, as the railway must be revived at all costs. Since the arrival of the new regime, the commitment to reviving the railway has been clearly stated, particularly in Thiès," Mr. Sow emphasized.

This revival, he believes, must be accompanied by a modernization of the network and equitable service to the regions. "The train must continue to serve the various localities, including Kaffrine. We fully support this initiative and we pray that it will materialize as soon as possible."

After Kaffrine, the information tour will continue in other localities of the country in order to meet with all the families concerned and to finalize the files with a view to a definitive settlement of this long-standing demand of the former railway workers.