The article on the mistreatment of Congolese workers in expatriate establishments in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) raises serious concerns. The Workers’ Association of Congo (ATCO) has strongly denounced the ill-treatment inflicted on Congolese workers by the Indo-Pakistanis, Chinese, Lebanese and West Africans who manage most of these establishments.
ATCO, aware of the importance of defending the rights of workers, organized a meeting in Kinshasa in order to strengthen the knowledge of workers on the legal framework of the labor sector in the DRC. These workers are also planning to carry out protest actions to demand that the government take action to end this abuse.
Among the main demands are the application of the Guaranteed Interprofessional Minimum Wage (SMIG), respect for working hours, as well as better management of subcontracting. Indeed, many Congolese workers complain of being paid at the US dollar exchange rate of 1,400 FC while the current rate is 2,500 FC. This situation makes it difficult for workers to support themselves and meet day-to-day expenses.
In addition, workers denounce precarious working conditions, with excessive working hours and a lack of support in the event of illness. This situation highlights the exploitation of Congolese workers, who are often deprived of their fundamental rights and live in fear of reprisals in the event of protest.
Faced with this alarming reality, human rights activists and citizens are calling on the government to take concrete measures to end this abuse. They emphasize that respect for workers in this sector is above all a question of political will and the fight against corruption.
However, despite the hopes raised by the coming to power of President Félix Tshisekedi, the working conditions of Congolese workers in establishments run by expatriates have not seen any significant improvement. Claims and demonstrations are on the increase, but the Congolese authorities are slow to take concrete measures to protect workers and enforce their rights.
It is essential that measures are taken quickly to put an end to this mistreatment and ensure dignified working conditions for Congolese workers. Expatriates should be aware of their obligations to their employees and respect the laws of the country in which they operate. The Congolese government, for its part, must show political will to guarantee workers’ rights and fight against exploitation..
In conclusion, the mistreatment of Congolese workers in expatriate establishments in the DRC is a worrying reality. It is time for concrete actions to be taken to put an end to these unfair practices and guarantee decent working conditions for all Congolese workers. Respect for workers’ rights should not be neglected, as it is an essential pillar of the country’s economic and social development