Trade unions in Togo first emerged under French colonial rule in the 1930s and 1940s.
Limited trade union rights were granted in French West Africa in 1937 following the election victory of the Popular Front government in 1936.
[2] The General Confederation of Labour (CGT) was the first French trade union to engage in organising activities in West Africa, but these were halted due to the outbreak of World War II and the banning of trade unions during the Vichy Regime.
In 1972 and 1973, the existing trade unions were dissolved into the CNTT and placed under government control.
[4] The Eyadéma regime banned strikes, gaoled union leaders, and replaced them with sycophants.