Congo-Brazzaville municipal workers face massive unpaid wage arrears

Municipal workers across Congo-Brazzaville are facing severe wage arrears, with cumulative unpaid salaries across various town halls exceeding 250 months. The Union des syndicats des mairies du Congo recently met with Senate President Pierre Ngolo to formally submit demands regarding salary irregularities, late payments, and long-standing debts.

The scale of the arrears varies significantly by location. Mossendjo is reported to be the most severely affected; while some reports cite 72 months of unpaid wages, union representatives provided a higher figure of 112 months. Other municipalities facing substantial backlogs include Ouesso with 82 months, Dolisie and Nkayi with 76 months each, Brazzaville with 12 months, and Pointe-Noire with 8 months.

Union officials, including first vice-president Roland Bakouma, emphasized that the issue involves not just total non-payment but also inconsistent arrival of wages. These workers provide essential services, including civil registry, sanitation, and local administration, despite the prolonged financial hardship.