Trade unions raise concerns over minimum wage delays

Trade Unions have expressed concerns over the pace at which the government is responding to setting a minimum wage for casual labourers.Early this year, leading Trade Unions, including the Central Trade Union of Workers (CESTRAR) the Labour Congress (COTRAF) and the Brotherhood-Rwanda, called on the government to set a daily minimum wage for casual labourers in rural areas at Rwf 1,500 while Rwf 2,000 for those in Kigali.They argue that their demand was based on the increasing market price or cost of living, especially in Kigali.“The government promised that they will conduct a survey that would determine how the minimum wage will be set, but the information we have is that the Tanzanian firms that had been hired did not do any work,” said Francois Ntakiyimana, the General Secretary of COTRAF.With the 1974 labour law still in force, it means the minimum wage is Rwf 100, but Trade Unions say casual labourers are faced with challenges of poor pay with some failing to meet their needs.Ntakiyimana stressed that the government should come out strongly to protect its labour force from being exploited.“Our survey that was conducted early this year indicated that casual labourers are not even being able meet their family obligations, including basic services,” he said yesterday.The unions say casual labourers most affected include tea pickers. They are said to be earning Rwf 300 a day. Others are in the construction industry and factories who are also said to be earning as low as Rwf 10,000 a month.Trade Unions are pushing that at least the lowest paid casual labourer earns Rwf 160,000 a month. This brings a big difference compared to what employers are currently said to be paying.“In demanding the government to set this minimum wage, we considered many things; including rent, feeding, medical care and clothing among other factors,” he said.He pointed out that among other factors, poor pay and difficult working conditions are the key concerns that should be addressed to create good relations amongst employers and employees.He also cited recent protests of over 50 workers of the China Road and Bridge Construction which was sparked by poor wages. COTRAF intervened and brought the two parties to terms after the company agreed to address the problems.“Based on what I earn, it requires me to go to work on foot, forego launch so that I can have supper, but irrespective of such working conditions, I am still not able to save,” said, Jean Claude Mutabazi, a builder. He rents a house in Remera, one of the suburbs of Kigali and said he has to walk to work every day, a distance that costs less that Rwf 200. He works on an empty stomach until 5:30 p.m.The call for a new minimum wage structure has in the past attracted mixed reactions from the public, especially employers. The Private Sector Federation has also tried to bring together employers to discuss the issue.However, as casual labourers believe that setting a new minimum wage for them will solve their challenges; employers say it should be determined by the market forces. This simply means that the two parties should decide on the terms of work and payment.In an interview with the Director of Labour, Research and Employment Promotion in the Ministry of Public Service and Labour, (MIFOTRA), Francoise Ngoboka, the government is taking the concerns seriously.“The Tanzanian Firm failed, therefore a decision was immediately taken to contract another firm, something that has already been done,” Ngoboka said.He explained that with the new firm, it will take only three to four months to conduct the survey that will give a basis for the government to determine its next take on the issue. Experts advise that a minimum wage in any growing economy is necessary, but also warns against its negative impacts, saying that it should not be too high to scare away investors or employers.

National

Trade unions raise concerns over minimum wage delays