Mistreatment of Congolese workers in establishments run by expatriates
The Congo Workers’ Association (ATCO) is sounding the alarm about the precarious situation of Congolese workers working in establishments run by expatriates of Indo-Pakistani, Chinese, Lebanese and West African origin. These workers are subjected to undignified treatment by their employers, who do not respect labor rights and exploit their workforce.
To remedy this situation, ATCO organized a legal capacity building session, bringing together the workers concerned in Kinshasa. The objective was to inform them about their rights and prepare them to carry out protest actions to demand compliance with labor regulations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Among the main demands of Congolese workers are the application of the Guaranteed Interprofessional Minimum Wage (SMIG), respect for working hours and better management of subcontracting. Indeed, many foreign employers continue to pay their workers at the outdated rate of 1,400 Congolese francs to the US dollar, while the current rate is 2,500 Congolese francs to the dollar. This situation puts Congolese workers in a precarious position, unable to support themselves on insufficient wages.
The abuse doesn’t stop there. Congolese workers also denounce the non-respect of social rights such as the absence of assistance in the event of illness, the impossibility of taking leave and human rights violations. They face unfair and abusive working conditions without any support from their employers.
ATCO and other civil society actors are calling on the Congolese government to demonstrate greater political will to put an end to this situation of mistreatment of Congolese workers. They emphasize that respect for workers’ rights in this sector is a problem of political will and the fight against corruption.
The hope aroused by the coming to power of President Félix Tshisekedi has unfortunately not been followed by concrete actions to improve the situation of Congolese workers. Despite the recurring demands and the different waves of protest, little change has been observed so far.
It is essential that the Congolese government take urgent action to end the mistreatment of Congolese workers in establishments run by expatriates. Respect for labor rights and international standards is essential to guarantee the dignity and well-being of Congolese workers, who contribute to the country’s economy..
ATCO and other civil society organizations will continue to mobilize to raise awareness and defend the rights of Congolese workers, in the hope of achieving significant and lasting progress for their protection and well-being. It is time for justice to be served and for Congolese workers to be treated with dignity and respect in their workplace