lang: en
Summary
From December 1945 to February 1946, workers in French West Africa (Senegal) organized a general strike demanding wage increases. The strike, which began with port and industrial workers and expanded to include merchants, civil servants, and service sector workers, successfully pressured the French colonial administration. The workers won significant wage increases, family allowances, union recognition, and other benefits.
Background
Beginning in 1944, French West Africa experienced economic difficulties with rising prices but stagnant wages. Insufficient sales due to poor salaries further affected workers’ incomes. Workers demanded wage increases from the French West African administration and the Governor General.
What happened
On December 22, 1945, workers at the ports of the French Company in Dakar organized a strike, soon joined by workers from printing shops in Dakar and the Senegalese electrical factory in Saint Louis [source: nv-database]. By mid-January, rumors about sales being carried through with the French franc prompted workers to organize a general strike, which was to last until all workers’ wages were raised [source: nv-database]. The Governor General, unable to handle the situation, sought help from two French delegates of the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), who visited unions in Thiès and Saint Louis to create a united workers union and address African workers’ demands [source: nv-database]. The general strike lasted three weeks; on February 7, 1946, the unions and delegates reached an agreement [source: nv-database]. Workers won notable wage increases, government workers received family allowances similar to top ranks, unions were formally recognized, bonuses were given for seniority, and wage hierarchies were amplified [source: nv-database]. The strike empowered workers throughout French West Africa, demonstrating the power of a mass movement against an imperial administration [source: nv-database].
Key people & organizations
- General Confederation of Labor (CGT)
- Governor General of French West Africa
Tactics used
The campaign used escalating strikes—from targeted industry strikes to a general strike—to apply economic pressure on the colonial administration, forcing negotiations. [source: nv-database]
Outcome
Verdict: won.
The workers achieved all six of their specific demands, including wage increases, family allowances, union recognition, and seniority bonuses, resulting in a total success score of 10 out of 10 points. The strike’s success inspired the 1947 railway strike in French West Africa. [source: nv-database]
Lessons
- A general strike that expands from key sectors to include diverse worker groups can effectively pressure an administration.
- External mediators (like union delegates) can help bridge gaps between workers and authorities to reach a settlement.
- Successful strikes can inspire further labor actions and strengthen the broader movement.
Sources
- Global Nonviolent Action Database —
[[nv-database]]
Disclaimer: Included as a teaching example of campaign craft, not as endorsement.
Sources & verification
nv-database— grounding: primary — license: link-only- Rewritten: 2026-06-25 via
worker_casestudies_v2.py