31 July, 2025Garment workers at Sartorisen, a manufacturer located in the Diamniadio Industrial Area, a special economic zone (SEZ) in Senegal, are calling for an end to ongoing exploitation and abuse of their rights.
The company, which produces traditional African attire and workwear, employs around 300 workers, the majority of whom are women. Workers report systemic violations, including wage theft, gender-based discrimination, and blatant disregard for national labour laws. Some have gone without pay for up to 13 months, making it impossible to afford transport to work. Several of those affected have worked at Sartorisen for over 15 years.
The lack of written contracts, pay slips, and social protection worsens workers’ vulnerability. Many are facing severe financial hardship, with families struggling to meet basic needs.
During the recent Tabaski holiday (Eid al-Adha), gender-based discrimination became even more evident. Male workers received bonuses of 50,000 CFA (US$87), while their female colleagues, despite forming the majority of the workforce, received only 25,000 CFA (US$44). The disparity has sparked outrage among women workers, who are demanding equal pay for work of equal value.
Sartorisen has so far refused to engage with the workers or the union. The Syndicat National des Travailleurs des Industries de la Confection du Sénégal (SNTICS), an IndustriALL affiliate, has filed complaints with the labour tribunal and the labour inspectorate.
“The union has taken Sartorisen to the labour tribunal for its failure to provide written contracts and social protection. The company must implement labour laws and respect workers’ rights,”
said Doudou Sisse, general secretary of SNTICS.
IndustriALL is standing in full solidarity with the Senegalese garment workers.
“The unfair labour practices, exploitation of workers, and gender discrimination violate national labour laws and international standards. We will continue to support Senegalese unions in their fight for better working conditions and urge the government of Senegal to enforce labour laws,”
said Paule-France Ndessomin, IndustriALL regional secretary for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Sartorisen operates within Diamniadio’s SEZ, a government initiative intended to attract foreign investment through tax incentives and relaxed regulations. However, the model often leaves workers vulnerable. According to the 2025 ITUC Global Rights Index, labour law enforcement in Senegal remains inconsistent, and union activities are regularly obstructed.