The Extent of the Fundamental Right to Strike under Cameroonian Constitutional Law: A Critical Appraisal

Abstract

The right to strike is constitutionally recognized in Cameroon as an essential labour right, enabling workers to express their grievances and negotiate with employers. However, its scope and limitations remain a topic of discussion from time immemorial till date. This piece therefore has as objective to examine the constitutional provisions, the Cameroon Labour Code, and relevant international human rights instruments governing the right to strike. Using a doctrinal research methodology, it analyzes
primary and secondary legal sources to assess how Cameroonian law balances the right to strike with competing interests such as public order and economic stability. The findings however reveal that although the right to strike is legally acknowledged in Cameroon, it is heavily restricted, undermining its effectiveness in safeguarding workers’ interests. The study concludes that constitutional and legislative reforms are necessary to ensure that limitations on the right to strike are both reasonable and justifiable, thereby strengthening labour rights protection in Cameroon.