CNV

23 October was an important and memorable day for the FENET, the trade union that represents workers in the private services sector in Togo. On that day it was celebrated that their new office opened its doors.

After extensively searching for a suitable building and location, Secretary General of the FENET and Vice-President of the World Organization of Workers, Mr. Koffi Zounnadjala, succeeded in finding a truly beautiful building in the heart of Lomé, Togo.

The FENET was able to realize this with the tremendous support of the FCG/GPA-DJP from Austria, CNV Dienstenbond form The Netherlands, CGM from Germany, KRIFA from Denmark and CFTC from France. These organizations, who are all member of the World Organization of Workers, contributed through their international solidarity funds to the realization of the office.

It could, however, not have been realized without the efforts of Koffi Zounnadjala and the staff of FENET. Without all the work that they have been doing since their creation as trade union this inauguration would have never been possible. To have an idea is one thing, to execute ideas is a different. The opening of the office shows that all is possible when one really puts his mind to it.

And the opening could not have been better. The attention and number of people that the event attracted was more than expected. Most strikingly was the attendance of four Ministers from the government of Togo. This was very strong signal and demonstrates the importance and position of trade unions in this West-African country. Additionally, almost all of the Members of the Board of the CSTT, the national confederation of which FENET is member, were present as well as many representatives of FENET. This was all covered by reporters and photographers from the various media in Togo.

The official opening and the cutting of the cord was carried out by the Togolese Minister of Commerce. This to great satisfaction of Koffi Zounnadjala.

Koffi Zounnadjala was overwhelmed by the attention and extremely proud of the fact that FENET was able to achieve of having its own office. What seemed impossible was made possible by the efforts of many.

The office consists of six rooms for the different departments within FENET. These rooms are all placed round a central hall where meetings can take place.

President of The World Organization of Workers, Mr. Roel Rotshuizen, was also overwhelmed by all the attention the opening received. In his opinion it clearly demonstrates that FENET is doing a very good job and does make a difference. Roel Rotshuizen, who is also Secretary General of the Dutch CNV Dienstenbond, specially travelled to Togo to celebrate this historic event. This was well-appreciated by everyone present. He wished FENET all the best for the future. With regards to their office, but more importantly for their work as trade union. There is still a lot to be gained, but creating the right conditions to work in is an enormously important step towards the future.

(for pictures click here)