SNEL casual workers in Kalemie demand regularization of employment status

Casual workers at the National Electricity Company (SNEL) in Kalemie, located in the Tanganyika province, are voicing strong discontent over their unstable employment conditions. They are demanding that their professional status be formally recognized and regularized.

In a memorandum submitted to SNEL officials, these employees highlighted that they have been working for the company for several years without formal contracts, medical insurance, or other social benefits. They emphasized their crucial role in the daily operations of SNEL within the city, undertaking essential tasks.

The workers stated that they are responsible for critical duties such as breakdown repairs, network maintenance, revenue collection, and operational tasks throughout Kalemie. "For several years, we have diligently performed, and at the peril of our lives, breakdown repairs, network maintenance, revenue collection, and operational tasks throughout the city of Kalemie," their memorandum reads.

They are specifically requesting the regularization and certification of their employment status. Additionally, they seek inclusion in the normalization process that has reportedly been initiated in other centers within the Greater Katanga region. The workers also called for the cancellation of recruitment processes organized in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga, which they believe do not adequately consider applications from Kalemie's casual workers.

Responding to these accusations, Ralph Mbayo, the regional director for SNEL South, confirmed that a process to normalize the situation of casual workers is indeed in progress. He assured that this initiative specifically includes the casual workers assigned to the Kalemie center.

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For several years, we have diligently performed, and at the peril of our lives, breakdown repairs, network maintenance, revenue collection, and operational tasks throughout the city of Kalemie.