Democratic Republic of the Congo's Minister of Employment and Labor, Ferdinand Massamba wa Massamba, has pledged to take tough action against employers infringing on labor legislation and Congolese workers' rights. Following a series of inspections conducted on September 17 in Kinshasa, particularly in Indian-Pakistani owned enterprises, the minister exposed numerous irregularities and vowed to intensify inspections nationwide.
The minister, accompanied by Inspector General of Labor Marie Mugalu Muteba, Kinshasa Provincial Labor Inspector M. Dako, and several collaborators, carried out surprise checks in Gombe, Kintambo, and Bandalungwa communes. At Rawbank's headquarters in Gombe, Massamba interacted with the deputy general manager and workers to directly assess their working conditions. The delegation then visited a major construction site by Blue Origin Investissement, where a 17-story building is being constructed near the Rotana hotel.
During the visit, Massamba reported several worrying situations regarding Congolese employees' working conditions. Workers claimed they did not have direct employment contracts with their employer, with some recruited through personnel placement services. The minister also denounced salary practices he deemed contrary to existing regulations, stating that some Congolese workers were still paid based on the old guaranteed minimum interprofessional wage (SMIG) of 13,000 Congolese francs per day, while the new rate is 21,500 Congolese francs.
Massamba's presence on the construction site revealed that expatriate workers were also involved. According to the minister, some expatriates attempted to flee when the delegation arrived. He lamented that they did not have work permits and were working illegally. Massamba aims to enforce legal provisions related to foreign labor while strengthening protection for Congolese workers.
After Gombe, the ministerial delegation inspected working conditions at Moni Shop in Kintambo and Golden Tulip hotel in Bandalungwa. Massamba stated that this operation was just the beginning of a process that would continue. He announced regular checks and increased involvement from his cabinet and the Labor Inspectorate.
The minister's actions align with President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi's directives during Council of Ministers meetings on protecting national employment and respecting labor laws. To reinforce the system, Massamba plans to establish a green number for reporting labor rights violations, allowing the population and professional organizations to denounce irregular situations.
With this new initiative, the ministry aims to strengthen enterprise monitoring, combat illicit practices, and improve working conditions for national workers. Massamba's message is clear: regular inspections will continue, and non-compliant employers will face sanctions in accordance with the law.
Key points
- DR Congo's Employment Minister Ferdinand Massamba wa Massamba has announced severe sanctions against employers breaching labor laws and workers' rights.
- The minister conducted surprise inspections in Kinshasa, revealing irregularities in Indian-Pakistani owned enterprises.
- A green number will be established for reporting labor rights violations.
