Contract workers and daily laborers managed by UNOPS for MINUSCA faced severe pay delay announcements during a general assembly on Thursday, August 20. During this critical assembly, Djamaka, the deputy director of MINUSCA, addressed the contract workers and daily laborers managed by UNOPS, informing them of the impending payment issues. He stated that employees could work for two to three months without receiving any pay. Subsequently, they would then receive only one month's salary for their work. Djamaka explicitly stated, "Vous pouvez travailler trois mois, on vous paie un mois" (You can work three months, we pay you one month), outlining the severe financial strain this would place on the workforce. During the assembly, an employee identified as Rita, a contract worker assigned to a warehouse, collapsed, noting the immediate and profound impact of the news. The incident occurred as workers gathered to hear updates regarding their employment conditions and remuneration, showing the high tensions present at the meeting.
Payment System Breakdown
Djamaka attributed the announced payment delays to the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) processing and sending employee dossiers to New York. This intricate process, he explained, is a significant factor in the current remuneration challenges. UNOPS, the entity responsible for managing these contracts, requires a minimum of twelve days for salary processing after funds are returned, according to information provided to the assembly. This processing time contributes to the overall delays experienced by the workers. Djamaka, the deputy director of MINUSCA, had previously informed employees during the general assembly that they might work for two to three months but would receive only one month's salary, stating, "Vous pouvez travailler trois mois, on vous paie un mois." This explanation came as workers gathered to receive updates on their employment conditions, seeking clarity amidst growing concerns about their financial stability. The deputy director's comments showed the systemic issues leading to the prolonged wait times for salaries.
Unequal Treatment Allegations
Employees present at the general assembly questioned Djamaka regarding the disparity in payment, specifically why national and international staff directly employed by MINUSCA do not experience similar payment delays. This inquiry noted a perceived two-tiered system within the mission's operations. Djamaka, the deputy director of MINUSCA, responded to these concerns by stating that the discovery of over 400 "ghost employees" contributed to a significant budget deficit within the mission. He explained that this situation was a primary reason for the current financial challenges impacting contract workers, reiterating his earlier statement to employees: "Vous pouvez travailler trois mois, on vous paie un mois" (You can work three months, we pay you one month). This explanation came amidst broader discussions about the contract workers' employment conditions and remuneration, as employees sought to understand the root causes of their precarious financial situation compared to other MINUSCA personnel.
Worker Distress and Response
The severe financial implications of these delays have already taken a heavy toll on the workforce. Some employees have accumulated debts for up to a year due to persistent salary delays, according to claims made by the workers themselves. This long-standing issue predates the current announcement, indicating a chronic problem within the payment system. The financial strain has reportedly led to significant hardship for those affected, impacting their ability to meet basic living expenses and support their families. In a separate incident noting the immediate impact of the situation, Rita, the contract worker assigned to a warehouse who collapsed during the general assembly, was subsequently evacuated to a hospital in Bangui for urgent medical attention. Her collapse occurred as workers gathered to receive updates on their employment conditions, serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of these ongoing payment issues. The incident showed the severe stress and anxiety experienced by the contract workers.
