On July 10, 2023, in Kinshasa, Indo-Pakistani, Chinese and Lebanese traders demonstrated to demand better working conditions. The Association of Workers of Congo (ATCO) organized a general assembly during which the workers expressed their concerns. Among the demands were appropriate wages, respect for working hours and an end to contracting out.
Abdoul Belsi Ngandi, spokesman for ATCO, pointed out that workers in the commerce sector faced wage problems. While salaries are set in US dollars, they are paid at the rate of 1,415 Congolese francs to the dollar, representing a significant loss of purchasing power. In addition, workers complain of non-compliance with working hours, often working long hours without benefiting from overtime.
The issue of subcontracting was also raised by protesters. They denounce the fact of being placed under the responsibility of someone who manages them and ask the government to intervene to put an end to this practice. Congolese traders want fair and equitable working conditions.
This demonstration highlights the difficulties faced by many workers in the commerce sector in the DRC. It is essential that the Congolese authorities take measures to guarantee fair wages, respect for working hours and the protection of workers’ rights.
It is important to emphasize that this problem is not specific to the DRC, but also concerns many other countries where foreign workers are present in the trade sector. There is a need to promote fair international labor standards and ensure that all workers, regardless of their nationality, enjoy decent and respectful working conditions.
Ultimately, the protesters hope that their demands will be heard and that they will obtain the improvements needed to improve their working conditions