Work and Wages

This page was last updated on: 2023-04-13

Minimum Wage

According to the new Labour Code, any worker hired under an employment contract or apprenticeship contract is entitled to a seniority bonus set by national or interprofessional collective agreements and a housing allowance. The salary is determined either by mutual agreement between the employer and the workers or by the order of the Minister in charge of Labour. After consulting the National Labour Council, the Minister's orders establish, after a maximum of four years, the wage zones and the guaranteed interprofessional minimum basic wages; the minimum increase for overtime work and night work, as well as for work performed during weekly rest days and holidays; and increase for seniority.

Minimum wage rates are determined and adjusted according to the cost of living and the current economic situation. The minimum wage has not been revised since 1988, and is too low to have practical application. Wages are particularly low in the public sector and there are large differences in wages for similar jobs in different ministries and parastatal institutions.

The implementation of minimum wage rates and other provisions of the Labour Code is the responsibility of the Labour and Social Security Inspectorate, which acts under the authority of the Ministry of Labour. The new Labour Code provides for criminal provisions against employers who violate the provisions on payment of the legal minimum wage and pay workers in currency that is not legal tender must pay a fine of 100,000 to 300,000 Burundian francs.

Sources: §181-195 & 623 of the Labour Code, 2020

Regular Pay

In accordance with the Labour Code, wages must be paid in legal tender regularly at the time and at agreed location. Amount of remuneration must not be less than the minimum wage. Wages are paid directly to the worker unless he/she accepts otherwise.

The law also provides that wages may be transferred to a bank account or an approved financial institution indicated in writing by the worker.

The employer is under obligation to pay wages in cash on a working day.

Monthly payments must be made within eight days of the end of month for which salary is due. It is also the responsibility of the employer to pay agreed remuneration with regularity and punctuality. Wage period may be fixed on hourly, daily, weekly or monthly basis. If the employment of a worker is terminated by or on behalf of the employer, the outstanding wages are paid along with severance pay.

Payment, all or part, of wages in kind is prohibited. Also, payment of wages in a form of liquor or drugs is prohibited. Employer is not allowed to compel workers to spend their salary in a certain way. Workers are entitled to the wages without any kind of deduction that involve direct or indirect payments by the worker. An employer should provide pay slips to all employees on each pay day. Payment must be recorded on a pay slip issued to the worker at time of payment.

Sources: §93, 191-204 of the Labour Code, 2020

Regulations on Work and Wages

  • Code du Travail du Burundi, 2020 / Burundi Labor Code, 2020
  • Ordonnance Ministérielle n° 650/11/88, 30 avril 1988 / Ministerial Order n. 650/11/88 30 April 1988
  • Ordonnance Ministérielle n° 630/116, 9 mai 1979 / Ministerial Order n. 630/116, 9 May 1979
  • Ordonnance Ministérielle n° 630/117, 9 mai 1979 / Ministerial Order n. 630/117, 9 May 1979
  • Ordonnance Ministérielle n° 630/136, 12 juillet 1978 / Ministerial Order n. 630/136, 12 July 1978

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