Workers' Rights: What to Know and What to Do
Every day people lose pay, safety, or basic respect at work. Knowing your rights changes that. This page gives clear, practical steps to spot abuse, protect your job, and where to get help — especially for workers across Africa. No legal fluff, just what to do.
Know the basics: contracts, wages, hours, breaks, sick leave, safe workplaces, discrimination, and payment on dismissal. Ask for a written contract. If you don't have one, keep messages, payslips, and notes about hours. These are your proof.
Wages and overtime: check the national minimum wage and typical overtime rules in your country. If your employer shortchanges you, calculate owed pay: hours worked times the agreed rate plus overtime. Keep copies of bank deposits and payslips. If records are missing, written notes of shifts and witnesses help.
Safety at work: employers must provide a safe workplace. That means training, protective gear, and clear procedures for hazards. If you face unsafe conditions, tell your supervisor in writing and ask for fixes. If nothing changes, report to the workplace inspectorate or health and safety agency.
Discrimination and harassment: your workplace should be free from illegal discrimination — race, gender, religion, disability, or pregnancy. Harassment is not part of the job. Report incidents in writing, note dates and witnesses, and ask HR or a union to intervene.
What to do if you are fired or suspended unfairly: don’t panic. Ask for a written reason. Collect all evidence — contracts, payslips, messages. File a complaint with the labour board or tribunal in your country. Many places offer short deadlines, so act fast.
Unions and collective action: joining a union can level the playing field. Unions negotiate pay, secure safer conditions, and back members in disputes. If unionizing feels risky, connect with established unions or worker centres for confidential advice.
How to report abuse: first, collect evidence. Second, use internal channels: HR, supervisors, or grievance forms. Third, if internal steps fail, contact labour inspectors, legal aid clinics, or NGOs that support workers. Many countries have free or low-cost hotlines.
Practical tips: keep a simple work diary with dates, hours, tasks, and pay; take photos of unsafe conditions; save messages and payslips; name witnesses; and do not sign away your rights without legal advice.
Resources in Africa: look for your country's labour department website, national unions, legal aid NGOs, and regional bodies like the ILO country office. Local community groups often know which agencies actually respond fast.
Quick actions
Quick actions to take now: write a one-page timeline with dates, hours, names, and what happened; keep copies of payslips and messages; photograph hazards or injuries; ask for written explanations from your boss; contact a union or legal aid within your local city; and, if you fear for your safety, report to the police and seek medical records. These immediate steps protect your case now.
Facing a problem right now? Start by writing a short timeline and saving evidence. Then call a union, legal clinic, or labour inspector. Quick steps make a big difference.
