On May 1st each year, Burundi joins other countries to celebrate Labor Day. This year, this celebration comes at a time when the situation of workers is not the best due to the high cost of basic necessities. Sustainable solution to existing challenges is necessary.
Workers from both public and private services responded to the May 1 parade.
“We will set up an electronic timekeeping system to monitor and facilitate the management of time and attendance of employers and workers,” indicated Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi during his speech on Wednesday 1is May marking Labor and Workers’ Day celebrated annually globally. This day is a good opportunity to introspect on our achievements, but also to set other goals to achieve.
The reduction in production is partly attributable to civil servants who are sometimes lazy as well as misuse of public funds, corruption and lack of dignity in the workplace and this requires self-assessment. These workers must know that we will do everything possible to ensure that the labor code is applied, indicated the President of the Republic.
Speaking on behalf of COSYBU (Confederation of Trade Unions of Burundi) during the ceremonies held in Bujumbura town hall, Tharcisse Gahungu pointed out the gaps which are sometimes difficult to respond to due to the lack of dialogue between employers and workers. He notably mentioned the retirement age, the labor code, the independence of unions, dialogue in the workplace, climate change and its consequences, etc.
The cost of living
According to Tharcisse Gahungu, workers’ salaries are not enough to meet their needs. It is difficult for workers to eat properly, take care of themselves, move around, etc. The situation is complicated because, in Burundi, there is no policy of indexing salaries to the cost of living. The independence of unions is not respected. Often, decisions are made without consultation. Which shows that dialogue is not valued. For example, suspending civil servants’ records without notice, changing the legal retirement age from 65 to 60, banning tricycles, motorcycles and bicycles from accessing every corner of the city of Bujumbura.
Mr. Tharcisse Gahungu stressed that these vehicles caused driving accidents. However, with the fuel shortage, it is very difficult to travel by bus. It is therefore necessary that the authorities can review this measure to facilitate travel for the less fortunate. He believes that with sincere dialogue, this problem can be resolved. It is also necessary to protect workers who are not covered by the labor code and to put in place specific regulations that concern them.
Problems persist
Théodore Kamwenubusa, president of the Employers’ Association of Burundi (AEB) expressed his deep gratitude for what has already been achieved by the State and for the ongoing efforts aimed at achieving the vision of Burundi, an emerging country in 2040 and developed in 2060. However, shortcomings persist such as authorities and officials breaking the law by engaging in trade (obstruction of the incompatibilities regime).
In addition, he said that the AEB faces many problems. In this regard, Kamwenubusa calls on the government to find lasting solutions to the major challenges facing businesses and private companies. These challenges include insufficient electric power, shortage of fuel, lack of foreign exchange, slow internet and frequent changes in tax laws.
Faced with all these concerns, whether those presented by the representative of COSYBU or those of the AEB, Prosper Bazombanza, Vice-President of the Republic of Burundi affirmed that solutions will be found through negotiations taking into account the interests of everyone, but especially with a view to the development of the country.
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