We can build the bridges that promote decent work in businesses in Benin

On 16 September 2026, CNV Internationaal’s Africa Coordination Office and PUM brought together companies from the Benin Business Champions project for a discussion on social dialogue. The meeting provided an opportunity to explore how dialogue between employers and workers contributes to building sustainable and responsible businesses.

Discussions centred on the mechanisms for establishing and sustaining social dialogue within companies. They also enabled participants to share their experiences and expectations.

There was particular interest in mastering these mechanisms. The participating companies expressed their desire to deepen their knowledge in order to better integrate social dialogue into their practices.

“Social dialogue creates a space where the company and workers can better understand each other’s realities, anticipate difficulties and seek shared solutions.”

Social dialogue and the duty of care: interlinked issues

This discussion takes on particular significance in a context where expectations regarding responsible business conduct are evolving.

The European Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDDD) places human rights and environmental issues at the heart of the due diligence processes of the large companies concerned. In particular, it provides for the involvement of stakeholders at various stages of these processes.

For companies operating within international value chains, this development reinforces the importance of mechanisms capable of bringing working conditions to the fore and fostering structured dialogue with workers and their representatives.

Social dialogue can contribute to this process. It provides a framework for identifying work-related concerns, sharing information and seeking solutions tailored to the company’s specific context.

Complementary areas of expertise

The collaboration between CNV Internationaal and PUM brings together two complementary areas of expertise.

PUM supports small and medium-sized enterprises in their development. CNV Internationaal contributes its expertise in decent work, labour rights and social dialogue. This complementarity enables us to address corporate sustainability through its economic and social dimensions.

The meeting on 16 September therefore provides an initial basis for deepening the dialogue with interested companies and exploring support options tailored to their needs.

This approach is in line with the objectives of CNV Internationaal’s 2021–2030 Trade Union Co-funding Programme. In Benin, the programme aims, in particular, to improve working conditions in the cashew value chain through respect for labour rights, social dialogue, social protection and responsible business conduct.

Through their collaboration, CNV Internationaal and PUM aim to contribute to the development of businesses where economic performance, the quality of workplace relations and decent work go hand in hand.