Rwanda’s biggest Trade Union, the Central Trade Union of Workers of Rwanda (CESTRAR) making demands on behalf of employees including raising the minimum wage, paying for over time and paying salaries that commensurate with market prices.

In a statement released in line with the International Labour Day marked yesterday, CESTRAR argued that their demand is based on the increasing market prices or cost of living especially in Kigali.

Trade Unions CESTRAR and the Labour Congress and the Brotherhood-Rwanda want the government to set the daily minimum wage for casual labourers at village level at Rwf 1,500 and Rwf 2,000 for those living in the City of Kigali. 

The current minimum wage of Rwf100 was set in 1974 and Trade Unions say government should come out strongly to protect its labour force from what they term as exploitation.

They cited casual labourers such as tea pluckers said to be earning Rwf300 a day. 

Others are in the construction industry and factories that are also said to be earning as low as Rwf 10,000 a month.

But Anna Mugabo, the Director General in charge of labour and employment in the Ministry of Public Service and Labour said the ministry is gathering ideas on minimum wage. 

"All Rwandans as beneficiaries will have a say on it, and the ministry will make sure that it is fair and felects the life style as envisaged under the IDPRS 2,” she said yesterday. 

Mugabo also said the labour law is clear.

"If an employee gets a problem, they should report to their employers, and if they do not respond satisfactoriry, the labour inspector can hear it and take action,” she said adding that employers should be fair to their staff.

Employees take  

Employees who spoke to The New Times said there was need for a minimum wage and over time pay.

"Companies are growing but the win-win situation between the employers and employees is just a dream. We work for 18 hours per day but the salary is fixed. Most employees fear to complain lest they be dismissed,” an employee of a telecom company in Kigali said. 

"The salary rarely increases but prices shoot up all the time.”

A guard who earns Rwf40, 000 a month said the money is not enough to meet demands such as rent, food and school fees.

"Worse still, we never get a day off,” the guard said on condition of anonymity.

Employers react  

However, some employers said they try their best as far as the welfare of workers is concerned.

Dr Jean Nyirinkwaya, the owner of La Croix du Sud Hospital said no salary is enough. 

"If I pay you Rwf20 million every month, six month later you will ask for an increase,” he said.