The new Congolese government led by Prime Minister Suminwa is making a major change by transferring social security from the Ministry of Labor to the Ministry of Health. This decision, taken through a recent presidential order, raises questions and concerns among labor inspectors and controllers.
Indeed, the latter warn against the possible overlapping of attributions which could result from this transfer. They emphasize the need to clarify the roles and responsibilities of each ministry in order to avoid any conflict of jurisdiction within the government. This legitimate concern highlights the importance of effective coordination between different government entities to ensure coherent implementation of public policies.
Furthermore, labor inspectors draw attention to the potential impact of this change on the existing legal framework. Indeed, the Congolese labor code currently includes provisions relating to the health and safety of workers, which are an integral part of social security. A transfer of these skills to the Ministry of Health could lead to inconsistencies and conflicts of jurisdiction, jeopardizing the social protection of workers.
In addition, labor inspectors remind the political authorities of their salary demand dating from October 2023. They insist on the fact that their concerns have been neglected in the government program, and call for their situation to be included in the amending budget. This cry from the heart highlights the challenges faced by these essential players in the world of work, who work on a daily basis to guarantee respect for workers’ rights and the implementation of social security standards.
In conclusion, the decision to transfer social security to the Ministry of Health highlights the need for in-depth reflection and effective coordination between the different government actors. It is essential that political authorities take into account the legitimate concerns of labor inspectors and ensure that this ministerial change does not hinder the social protection of workers.