Félix Tshisekedi’s Labor Advice: Prioritize Vulnerable Workers in SMIG Increase
- LUBUMBASHI,Democratic Republic of Congo (AP) — President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi has directed organizers of the upcoming labor council to prioritize the interests of the Democratic Republic of Congo's most...
- Tshisekedi's guidance came during the 40th meeting of the Council of Ministers, held recently in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga province.
- According to Patrick Muyaya, the government spokesperson, Tshisekedi emphasized the need for any minimum wage increase to primarily benefit those workers whose current earnings are insufficient to meet...
DRC President Tshisekedi Prioritizes Vulnerable Workers in Minimum Wage Increase
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LUBUMBASHI,Democratic Republic of Congo (AP) — President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi has directed organizers of the upcoming labor council to prioritize the interests of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s most vulnerable workers when considering an increase to the minimum wage. The labor council is scheduled to convene in Kinshasa from April 21-24, 2025.
Tshisekedi’s guidance came during the 40th meeting of the Council of Ministers, held recently in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga province.
Focus on the Most Vulnerable
According to Patrick Muyaya, the government spokesperson, Tshisekedi emphasized the need for any minimum wage increase to primarily benefit those workers whose current earnings are insufficient to meet their basic needs. Muyaya relayed the president’s remarks after the council of Ministers meeting.
regarding the increase in the SMIG, it should above all benefit the most vulnerable workers whose current income does not make it possible to cover the essential needs, as it is indeed they who suffer the effects of precariousness. This session must lead to concrete, realistic and applicable expectations, in particular to strengthen the purchasing power of workers, guarantee their dignity, supervise the employment of foreigners and consolidate our social protection in a spirit of justice and solidarity as well as equity.
The president stressed that the labor council session should yield tangible and realistic outcomes, specifically aimed at bolstering workers’ purchasing power, ensuring their dignity, regulating the employment of foreign nationals, and strengthening social protections based on justice, solidarity, and equity.
Employment as a Priority
Muyaya further stated that Tshisekedi reiterated the importance of employment as a cornerstone of his mandate, a foundation for social harmony, a catalyst for development, and a guarantor of inter-generational fairness.He acknowledged the high expectations of Congolese citizens.
The President of the republic recalled that employment remains the priority base of his mandate,the keystone of social peace,the engine of development,the guarantor of real inter -generational justice. The expectations of our fellow citizens are immense, and rightly so. We must respond with clarity, courage and determination.
Prime Minister Advocates for Census
Separately, Prime Minister Judith suminwa has advocated for a nationwide census to facilitate effective development planning, improve resource allocation, and strengthen governance throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo.
# DRC Minimum Wage: President Tshisekedi’s Priorities
This article provides a Q&A-style overview of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi’s focus on vulnerable workers adn employment within the Democratic Republic of Congo, based on recent developments.
## What is President Tshisekedi’s primary focus regarding the minimum wage in the DRC?
President Tshisekedi has directed the upcoming labor council to prioritize the interests of the most vulnerable workers in the DRC when considering an increase to the minimum wage. This guidance was provided during the 40th meeting of the Council of Ministers, held in Lubumbashi.
## When and where is the labor council meeting taking place?
The labor council is scheduled to convene in Kinshasa from April 21-24, 2025.
## What did President Tshisekedi say about the minimum wage increase during the Council of ministers meeting?
President Tshisekedi emphasized that any minimum wage increase should primarily benefit workers whose earnings are insufficient to meet their basic needs. He stated that the session should lead to ”concrete, realistic, and applicable outcomes” to improve workers’ lives.
## What specific goals did the President outline for the labor council session?
President Tshisekedi wants the labor council session to focus on :
* Bolstering workers’ purchasing power.
* Ensuring workers’ dignity.
* Regulating the employment of foreign nationals.
* Strengthening social protections based on justice, solidarity, and equity.
## What is the role of employment in President Tshisekedi’s mandate?
President Tshisekedi views employment as “the priority base of his mandate.” He sees it as:
* the keystone of social peace.
* The engine of development.
* The guarantor of inter-generational justice.
## What is the goverment’s response to citizens’ expectations?
According to government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya, the expectations of Congolese citizens are immense. The government aims to respond with “clarity, courage, and determination.”
## What other significant initiative was discussed during the Council of Ministers meeting?
Prime Minister Judith Suminwa advocated for a nationwide census to help facilitate:
* Effective development planning.
* Improved resource allocation.
* strengthened governance throughout the DRC.
## Summary of Key Priorities
Here’s a concise summary of President Tshisekedi’s key priorities, as stated in the provided text:
| Priority | Description |
|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | Prioritize the most vulnerable workers; increase purchasing power. |
| Worker Dignity | Ensure fair treatment and respect for workers. |
| Employment | Viewed as foundational for social peace, development, and fairness. |
| Social Protection | Strengthen social safety nets for workers. |
| Foreign Employment | Regulate the employment of foreign nationals. |
| Census | Facilitate planning and resource allocation. (Advocated by the PM) |