The Labour Congress and the Brotherhood-Rwanda (COTRAF), a trade union, has called on the government to set up a special labour court for handling disputes between employers and employees.

COTRAF made the call on Thursday in Kigali at a news conference called to brief journalists about the union’s assessment of the implementation of labour laws in Rwanda and challenges facing workers.

Poor working conditions, low wages, lack of insurance and protection, working overtime, rights violation, lack of contracts, salary delays, and non-payment of wages were cited as the main challenges hurting labour in Rwanda.

François Ntakiyimana, the executive secretary of COTRAF, said these challenges and other workers’ complaints they receive call for a special court.

A labour court was established in 2003 simultaneously with the commercial court.

However, later the labour court was scrapped.

Ntakiyimana said the absence of the court causes delays in execution of labour related cases. "Since the government wants to develop mediation in the community, we also need mediators. We should end our conflicts without taking them to conventional courts,” he said.

Ntakiyimana blamed some investors who exploit workers without any intention to improve their welfare.

"Some investors focus on profits. They don’t think of improving working conditions of their workers. It is a shame to hear a person saying that he is employed but not able to afford rent or subscribe for health insurance due to meager wages,” he said.

Statistics show that this year alone, 105 labour related cases were reported, of which 62 cases have been addressed.

Dominic Bicamumpaka, the head of COTRAF, said the government should push for the implementation of labour laws to the letter.

Bicamumpaka said some investors start business unmindful of the plight of workers.

"Rwanda is a developing country. We become proud when our economy moves forward. However, we sometimes celebrate the development of the country but forget to think about the ones who make it happen; the workers. When workers’ welfare is improving, the economy of the country also grows,” he said.

Most cases related to labour are reported to be found in road construction sector.

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