Loulo-Gounkoto workers in Mali threaten five-day strike over pay and labour disputes
Union committees at the gold mining complex say management has failed to address outstanding worker concerns, including overtime payments, unpaid expenses and working conditions
Workers at Mali’s Loulo-Gounkoto gold mining complex are threatening to down tools for five days from Monday, September 28, over what union committees say are unresolved labour disputes and management’s failure to honour previous commitments.
The union committees of FEA Loulo-Gounkoto, SOMILO SA, GOUNKOTO SA and CORICA BABOTO announced the planned industrial action in strike notices issued on September 10, according to Malian news outlet Bamada.net.
The planned strike is expected to run from September 28 to October 2, with the unions accusing management of negligence and of failing to address workers’ concerns.
The unions also allege that management has failed to comply with existing regulations, including Mali’s Labour Code, International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions ratified by Mali, two opinions issued by the National Directorate of Labour (DNT), and the FEA establishment agreement.
One of the main points of contention is the reduction in overtime payments.
The unions are demanding that overtime pay be restored to the standard rate of 180%, in line with the DNT’s position, together with a 130% back payment dating back to December 2024.
Workers are also demanding payment of outstanding mission expenses dating back to September 2025, the immediate provision of impregnated mosquito nets for 2026 and the ordering of motorcycles for employees who have completed their repayments.
Other demands include the construction of premises for staff representatives and assistance with procedures relating to family allowances through Mali’s National Social Security Institute (INPS).
According to Bamada.net, the unions say the issues behind the planned strike are not new demands but largely concern rights and commitments that have already been recognised or agreed between the parties.
The unions also claim they have exhausted avenues for dialogue, saying they have made repeated representations and efforts to ease tensions without achieving the desired outcome.
“We remain open to dialogue, but remain determined to defend the legitimate rights and interests of workers,” the union representatives said, according to Bamada.net.
The planned action comes at the Loulo-Gounkoto complex in Mali’s Kéniéba Circle, where workers at the different operations and contractors have raised a broader set of concerns, including wages, food provision, production bonuses, medical cover, social security registration and working conditions.
Bamada.net reported that the unions believe the strike could have been avoided if management had demonstrated good faith and honoured commitments it had previously made.
