SENJOUSMEL, a trade union for workers in the private sector,  is demanding that the daily average minimum wage be raised by Rwf2900 from Rwf100 to Rwf3000, citing the high cost of living.

The current Rwf100 average minimum wage is contained in Article 76 of the new Labour Code ‘determining the minimum guaranteed inter-professional wage’ that was gazetted last year.

The union, which seeks to protect and advance working conditions for its members said ahead of May 1, which is the Labour Day, that government and other employers in the country should consider increasing pay cheques, calling for a pay rise to between Rwf3000 and Rwf5000 for worker in Kigali and Rwf1, 500.

"Government through the trade union umbrella (Trade Union Centre of Workers of Rwanda (CESTRAR)) should consider discussing with employers on how to increase the minimum wage,” Abdon Nkotanyi, the Secretary General of Senjourmel said during a press briefing on April 27, 2010.  CESTRAR is the national trade union centre.

Eng. Mutsindashyaka André, the Deputy Secretary General ......urged employees to be confident and observant when negotiating for a job contract.

"People should not feel like being given a job is a favour because they are selling their services, so it should be a win-win deal,” he emphasised.

Senjourmel trade union has 7000 members with 5700 active members targeting 15,000 potential members.

The trade union, through its leadership said it has managed to bargain with the employer on behalf of union members on issues related wages, work rules, complaint procedures, firing and promotion of workers, benefits and workplace safety.

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