Maniema engineers demand 22 months of unpaid salary from SAFRICAS in CD

• More than 60 engineers, site managers, and agents on the 145 Territoires project in Maniema province demand payment of over 22 months' worth of unpaid salaries.
• Workers claim their situation has deteriorated significantly due to prolonged periods without pay, with some families facing severe financial difficulties.
• SAFRICAS' representative shifts responsibility onto ITM for addressing workers' salary claims, leaving the workers in limbo.

More than 60 engineers, site managers, and agents working on the 145 Territoires project in the Maniema province have come forward to demand payment of over 22 months' worth of unpaid salaries. The workers claim that their situation has deteriorated significantly due to prolonged periods without pay, with some families facing severe financial difficulties. They assert that they have fulfilled their professional obligations and are now seeking the full payment of their rights.

According to the workers, they have been waiting since October 2024 for their salaries, which they consider a legitimate right after rendering services in the framework of this vast development program. The engineers, site managers, and agents have addressed a memorandum of grievances to Congolese authorities and project partners, urging them to intervene urgently to resolve the issue.

The workers emphasize that their patience is wearing thin after nearly two years of waiting, with some struggling to meet basic needs for themselves and their families.

The situation highlights potential compliance exposures arising from delayed or unpaid salaries to contractors and employees on the 145 Territoires project. Lawyers advising clients on this project should be aware of their obligations under Congolese labor laws, which may require prompt payment of wages and benefits to workers.

SAFRICAS, the company presented as the employer in the project, has signed a contract with ITM for the recruitment of human resources. However, SAFRICAS' representative in Maniema shifts responsibility onto ITM, suggesting that the latter is responsible for addressing the workers' salary claims.

This divergence of responsibilities among parties involved in the project leaves the workers in limbo, awaiting a concrete response from authorities, enterprises, and organizations concerned.

The unpaid salaries have plunged several families into severe financial difficulties, with some struggling to meet basic needs. The situation underscores the importance of prompt payment of wages and benefits to workers under Congolese labor laws.

As lawyers advising clients on the 145 Territoires project navigate this complex issue, they should consider advising their clients on their obligations under these laws, including the need for timely payment of salaries and benefits to contractors and employees.

Ultimately, resolving this situation requires a collaborative effort from all parties involved, including authorities, enterprises, and organizations concerned. The workers' patience is wearing thin, and finding a solution within the shortest possible timeframe is crucial.

Lawyers advising clients on the 145 Territoires project should watch for potential compliance exposures arising from delayed or unpaid salaries to contractors and employees, and consider advising clients on their obligations under Congolese labor laws.

Source: Original reporting via Radio Okapi