Trade unions demand increment in minimum wage

Currently set at 36,270 Francs Cfa, the organizations who had a press conference in Yaounde this weekend demanded that the rate be fixed at 62,000 Cfa Francs.

Cameroonian trade unions consider the minimum wage rate in Cameroon, currently fixed at 36,270 Francs Cfa very insignificant.

During a press conference held in Yaounde over the weekend, they required a revision of the labour code, the increase in the minimum wage to 62,000 Cfa Francs and harmonization of the retirement age. "The labour of Cameroon code must be reviewed because the work policy has changed. We are in a period of growth and it is important that we agree on how to get there," says Jean Marie Zambo Amougou, President of the Confederation of the workers of Cameroon.

The four unions which participated in this meeting: the Trade Union Confederation of workers of Cameroon, the central trade union organization of the public sector, the Trade Union of free workers of Cameroon and the autonomous Confederation of Cameroon trade unions required among other things: the reform of social security, the recovery of wages to public employees, exemption from taxes on the career benefits and payment of the social rights of the former employees of the 49 State companies.

The unionists gave authorities until December 31, 2014, for the application of these measures negotiated and validated by the National Advisory labour Commission and the consultation and follow-up of the social dialogue Committee.

If this deadline is not respected, the unionists promised to take action by boycotting official ceremonies. "We will start by boycotting all the invitations from the Government, starting with the presentation of greetings to the head of State", threatened Jean-Marc Bikoko.