CSOs advise govt to follow constitutional provisions to implement new working hours

By Elias Hakizimana.

Two Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) namely Rwanda Labor Rights Organization (RLRO) and Center for Rule of Law Rwanda (CERULAR) have submitted a letter to the Hon. Minister of Public Service and Labor, expressing their concerns and request, relating to the implementation of the revised working hours planned to take effect from 1st January 2023, before amending the existing legislations in force.

As mentioned in their letter, the decision to start implementing the revised working hours as endorsed by the Cabinet on 11 December 2022, with effect from 1 January 2023, before amending various labor laws and Ministerial Orders on working hours,tantamounts to a grave breach of the Constitution, specifically in its articles 3 and 95.

Another concern raised in the letter is a contradiction between the communique released by Ministry of Public Service and Labor and the Cabinet Resolutions.

“It should be noted that Cabinet resolved to reduce working hours from the current 45 hours to 40 hours per week. It also endorsed that work in public offices shall commence at 9:00 Am instead of 7:00 Am,” said one of the CSOs.

Detailed letter: