BAMENDA CITY COUNCIL STAFF IN DISAPPROVAL WITH SALARY DECREASE

On the streets of Bamenda, located in the Northwest region of Cameroon, about 33 employees of the Bamenda City Council  have raised alarm over an unexpected decrease in salaries that has sparked protests and formal complaints against what they describe as a unilateral decision by the city mayor.

The discontent among the workers stems from deductions in salaries experienced in October, November, and December 2023, despite a recent 5.2 percent increase.

According to Mimimefo infos, sources within the Bamenda City Council indicate that these deductions were related to longevity in service, leaving some employees with a significant drop of nearly 60 percent in their basic pay.

The complaint lodged at the Office of the Public Independent Conciliator (PIC) of the North West region was the subject of a crisis meeting between the staff of the Bamenda City Council, the Council authorities and members of the Office of the Public Independent Conciliator.

During the crisis meeting aimed at addressing the growing unrest, the City Mayor, Paul Achobong Tembang, reportedly cited a decree signed by the Head of State harmonizing salaries between Council workers and civil servants as the reason behind the adjustments. The decree is still highly awaited.

Before 2019, Councils like the Bamenda City Council operated on varying scales, with some paying higher wages based on Council deliberations.

The lack of a harmonized scale for Council workers is now causing confusion and distress among employees.

The workers are calling for a better communication and transparency from the Council authorities. They expressed frustration at the lack of dialogue and consultation regarding such significant changes to their livelihoods.

Delia Nyadi