About Us
STRASCAS is ACORN International’s affiliated union representing sugar cane workers in the plantations and processing facilities outside of Yaoundé, Cameroon. We organize over 4,000 workers at SOSUCAM, the Cameroonian subsidiary of French agri-industrial giant Somdiaa and the third largest employer in the country.
Our Mission
We fight for the dignity, safety, and fair treatment of sugar cane workers who face hazardous working conditions, poverty wages, and systematic exploitation. Our members, primarily from the Tupuri people, work in extremely challenging conditions harvesting and processing sugar cane while facing numerous workplace hazards including machete cuts, heat exhaustion, flying cane debris, and frequent transportation accidents.
Current Campaigns
Justice for Gaston Djora
We continue to demand justice for our brother Gaston Djora, who died during the violent police crackdown on our peaceful strike in February 2025, as well as the 11 other workers who were injured when security forces attacked our demonstration.
Recognition of Our Union
Despite the constitutional right to organize in Cameroon, SOSUCAM continues to refuse full recognition of STRASCAS. Company management has suspended union leaders and worked with authorities to intimidate organizers, including our affiliate partners at OnEstEnsemble.
Fair Wages and Working Conditions
Sugar cane workers at SOSUCAM earn as little as 57,000 CFA francs (approximately $91 USD) per month – barely above Cameroon’s minimum wage. Most workers are seasonal, employed for only five months during harvest season, forcing them to find supplemental income through small farming projects.
Workplace Safety Reform
In 2023, our union documented nearly 100 workplace accidents over a six-month period, with 90% of injured workers receiving no compensation. We continue to fight for proper protective equipment, adequate medical care, and fair compensation for workplace injuries.
Recent Actions
February 2025
Strike
In response to a new payment system that delayed wages and prevented career advancement, over 4,000 STRASCAS members went on strike beginning January 26, 2025. After two weeks of peaceful protest, SOSUCAM called in 400 special forces officers with armored vehicles, resulting in the death of union member Gaston Djora and injuries to 11 others.
The violent crackdown has drawn international condemnation, including from French parliamentarian Marina Mesure, who called for an EU investigation into labor law violations. Opposition leader Maurice Kamto also denounced the company’s actions, stating: “Bosses who love their company and respect their staff do not call in security forces carrying weapons against their employees.”
While SOSUCAM made minimal concessions after the strike, including a 1,000 CFA franc ($1.60 USD) monthly raise and promises to improve health benefits, they have still refused to formally recognize our union.
Environmental Justice
Beyond worker rights, we advocate for environmental responsibility. SOSUCAM’s aerial pesticide spraying has damaged local soil and ecosystems, while sugar cane waste dumped in rivers has contaminated community drinking water. We stand with local communities demanding accountability for these harmful practices.
Join Our Struggle
The fight for dignity and justice continues for sugar cane workers in Cameroon. Stand with STRASCAS as we organize for better working conditions, fair wages, and respect for our fundamental rights.
Contact us
Email: contact@strascas.org
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