Recent employment developments in Gabon, Mali and Tunisia

• Africa

• Employment law

06-10-2017

A new Code of Social Protection in Gabon

After 10 years of calling for change to the social security code, because it no longer meets the demographic and socio-economic needs of Gabon, the Minister of State has presented the new social protection code in the Gabonese Republic. Law 28/2016 constituting this new Code, was promulgated by the President of the Republic on 02/06/2017 and it will consolidate, harmonize and also extend social protection in Gabon.

A new Labor Code Act in Mali provides for the age of employment to be fixed at 15 years

The Labor Code has been amended to improve equality of opportunity and treatment for citizens with regard to employment and vocational training, without discrimination based on origin, race, sex and religion. The change also: incorporates a prohibition of forced labor; sets the age of employment at 15 years, reflecting concerns over child labour in the country; and prohibits night work for women in industrial undertakings.

Tunisia: retirement age may rise

Increasing the retirement age is one of the solutions proposed to remedy the deficit faced by the Tunisian retirement system which is threatening its viability and its ability to meet its commitments to current and future pensioners. Other solutions include raising membership contribution rates and introducing a social VAT.

A committee of officials from the Ministry of Social Affairs and representatives of the social partners, in particular the Tunisian General Union of Labor (UGTT) and the Tunisian Union of Industry, Commerce and Handicrafts (Utica), will take part in a reform project that is expected to report to the government next year.