Achievements
REWU’s achievements in the last five years are a clear sign and hope for the future of human labour rights and socio-economic conditions of workers in the mining sector.
The following are such achievements,
- Establishment of legal assistance service: This has been providing legal services through assisting and providing advisory to its members and representing members in disputes with their employers. These services have benefited around 3,784 mining workers countrywide.
- Capacity building programs: REWU has been conducting trainings for trade union leaders and other members. The trainings have been focused on labour rights, gender equality, mining laws, childcare, occupational safety and health principles, etc. It is important to note that 2,450 union members have gained such trainings.
- Training on Collective bargaining for union member’s rights: one of the CBA conducted by REWU was collective bargaining agreement with Euro Trade International Ltd where more than 1200 employees benefited increment of salary.
- Advocacy on workers’ rights: In addition to the above, there has been advocacy targeting the involvement of women and youth in management structures and activities of mine companies to better address workers’ rights. Some of dismissed employees were reintegrated into back into their respective work because of cases won into the Courts.
- Awareness creation on child protection: There has been raising awareness for child protection against sexual abuse and child labour within seven (7) districts where REWU operates. This has resulted in fighting child abuses at work places. Two pilots ECDs have been established and are now operational in mining industry.
- REWU has conducted an assessment for recognition of prior learning of 2700 miners in collaboration with Government through Rwanda TVET Board under a MoU signed by both parties.
- REWU conducted a rapid assessment on community child labor and access to child rights information in four districts (Muhanga, Rwamagana, Gicumbi and Gakenke, The most targeted sectors by child labor are: Industry (36%), Domestic services (32.5%) and Agriculture (31.5%).
REWU’s efforts are a critical part of improving labor conditions in Rwanda’s extractive industries, aiming to create a safer, more just, and productive environment for workers.