Labour Law: Principles and Practice in Cameroon

A. Yanou

Description

There is a dearth of well researched books on important disciplines in law written by Cameroonians. This regrettable situation has invariably meant a reliance of substantive and practice books written mostly by Nigerian and English writers. While books written by these writers have been helpful, they have not always captured the peculiarities and judicial attitudes of the Cameroonian context. When approached from the perspective of practice in the Anglophone regions, not even Cameroonian writers of French orientation have done justice to this situation. This book contributes to filling this gap. It is a comprehensive review that combines an analysis of the principles and basic procedure of labour law in Cameroon. Yanou draws on solid academic research as well as a wide ranging experience in legal practice across Cameroon and Nigeria to present a coherent and practical elaboration of themes such as employment, dismissal, remedies for wrongful dismissal, compensation for industrial injuries, and trade unions. The book is also motivated by the desire for a repository for members of the Bar and Bench, judges, academics, students and human resources practitioners.

Sujets

• Law

Informations

• Publié par: Langaa RPCIG
• Date de parution: 15 novembre 2011
• Nombre de lectures: 77
• EAN13: 9789956726332
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 1 Mo

Extrait

LABOUR LAW Principles & Practice in Cameroon

Micael Akomaye Yanou

Labour Law Principles & Practice in Cameroon Michael A. Yanou Langaa Research & Publishing CIG Mankon, Bamenda

Publisher: LangaaRPCIG Langaa Research & Publishing Common Initiative Group P.O. Box 902 Mankon Bamenda North West Region Cameroon [e-mail] www.langaa-rpcig.net Distributed in and outside N. America by African Books Collective [e-mail] www.africanbookcollective.com

ISBN: 9956-726-42-7 ©Michael A. Yanou 2012

DISCLAIMER All views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Langaa RPCIG.

Table of Contents Table of Cases………………………………………………. vii Foreword…………………………………………………… xi Preface……………………………………………………… xiii Acknowledgement………………………………………….. xv Chapter 1: Contract of Employment: A Historical Perspective……………………………………..1 Introduction…………………………………………………1 Pre-Colonial Labour Relationship…………………………... 2 Introduction to English and French Labour Law…………… 3 Definition of a worker conceptual relevance………………... 5 Who is a worker?..................................................................... 7 Control as a basis for determining a contract of Employment………………………………………………... 9 Integration test……………………………………………… 11 The composite test………………………………………….. 12 Is the civil servant a worker in Cameroon?.............................. 14 Chapter 2:The Contract of Employment………………...19 Introduction…………………………………………………19 Validity of employment contract…………………………… 20 Employment of children……………………………………. 22 Form of contract of employment…………………………… 24 Types of Contracts of Employment………………………… 27 Contracts of Specified Duration……………………………. 27 Contract of Employment of unspecified duration………….. 28 Other Forms of contract of Employments…………………. 29 Chapter 3: Terms of Employment……………………….. 31 Introduction…………………………………………………31 Express Terms……………………………………………… 31 Implied Terms……………………………………………….34

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Collective Agreement……………………………………….. 36 Chapter 4: Duties of the Employer……………………….41 Duty to pay Wages………………………………………….. 41 Duty to Provide Work……………………………………….43 Rest Periods………………………………………………… 46 Weekly Rest………………………………………………….46 Leave……………………………………………………….. 47 Duty to Provide Safe Working Environment……………….. 49 Duty to provide Workers Certificate of Service…………….. 50 Duties of the Worker……………………………………….. 53 Duty to Render Personal Service……………………………. 53 Duty to Be Loyal Give Faithful Service…………………….. 54 Duty of care and skill……………………………………….. 56 Duty to obey reasonable orders……………………………... 57 Chapter 5: Intellectual Property Rights in Employment……………………………………………….61 Introduction…………………………………………………61 Intellectual Property………………………………………… 62 Chapter 6: Termination……………………………………65 Introduction…………………………………………………65 Termination………………………………………………… 66 The Effect of Notice………………………………………... 68 Chapter 7: Dismissals…………………………………….. 75 Introduction…………………………………………………75 Dismissal for Conduct Incompatible with Employment…….. 78 Criminal Misconduct in Employment……………………….. 80 Can a Single Misconduct Justify a dismissal?........................... 82 Disobedience of reasonable orders………………………….. 83 Dismissal for Sundry Reasons………………………………. 86 Dismissal for Economic Reasons…………………………… 87 Trade Union Activities……………………………………… 89 Constructive Dismissal………………………………………90 iv

Chapter 8: Remedies for Wrongful Determination of Employment……………………………………………... 93 Introduction…………………………………………………93 Damages……………………………………………………. 93 Basis of assessment of damages…………………………….. 95 Assessment of Damages in Labour Matters Standard Practice……………………………………………………... 97 Special Damages……………………………………………. 99 Severance Pay………………………………………………..101 Statutory Limitation………………………………………… 103 Specific Re-Instatement……………………………………... 106 Chapter 9: Compensation for Work Related Injuries……………………………………………………...113 Introduction…………………………………………………113 The National Social Insurance Fund………………………... 113 Industrial Accident………………………………………….. 115 Materiality of Accidents…………………………………….. 117 Claiming Compensation for Industrial Injury……………….. 118 Occupational Accident……………………………………… 119 The Place Where Meals Are Taken…………………………. 120 The protected route………………………………………….120 Occupational Diseases……………………………………… 121 Procedure for filling compensation claims…………………... 121 Disputes…………………………………………………….. 122 Disputes Arising From the National Social Insurance Fund……………………………………………... 125 Chapter 10: Vicarious Liabilities for Acts of Worker…… 129 Vicarious Liability for Acts of Worker……………………….132 Course of Employment……………………………………... 135 v

Chapter 11: Procedures in Labour Actions……………….137 Introduction…………………………………………………137 Jurisdiction………………………………………………….. 137 Territorial Jurisdiction of Labour Courts……………………. 138 Commencement of Labour Actions………………………… 141 Individual Labour Disputes…………………………………. 142 Collective Disputes…………………………………………..144 Strikes………………………………………………………. 146 The procedure for resolution of collective disputes………… 147 Burden of Proof in Labour Matters…………………………. 149 Chapter 12: Labour Appeals................................................. 155 Further Evidence on Appeal………………………………... 159 Provisional Execution of Labour Judgement………………... 160 Chapter 13: Trade Unions…………………………………167 Introduction…………………………………………………167 Purpose of a Trade Union…………………………………... 170 Registration of Trade Unions and Employer’s Associations… 171 What if the Registrar refuses to register a Trade Union……... 174 Status of Trade Unions……………………………………... 176 The Labour Code.................................................................. 177

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Table of Cases Abaken v Labour Inspector Kumba & Anor Suit No HCF/L.8/84. Affaire Maitre Penda C/ Evini Arret No 32/s of 21/1/82] AG Eastern Nigeria v Alhaji Katagum &Others v M.E.K Roberts [(1967) All NLR 137] Alraine Nig Ltd V Esshiet 1977 1 NMLR Akamangwa Martin v SONARA Suit No HCF / L. 011 / 2000 – 2001 Assurances Des Provinces Reunis v Tiogum David (1999) CCLR pt 4 62 Ayuk v Mamfe Rural Council CASWP/L1/95 Bakehe Joseph v Regie des Chemins de Fer Appeal No 30 of 19/12/1967 th B.N.C.I v La Dame Boulier Appeal No 202 of 16 May 1961 CARFOP v Kan Enroy Moses Payne (2001 CCLR Pt 6 CatholicEducation Secretary v Mary Musono Suit No SWP/L1 /04 – 05 Catholic Education Secretary v Ndip Aaron Oben CDC v Akem Besong Benbella Suit No CASWP/267/97 CDC v Elakie Ngolo Emmanuel Suit No CASWP/L.5/2004 China International & Water v Ndinwa Willfred Ndi (2005) 1 CCLR 111 Chou John v Cameroon Development Corporation HCF/L.29/2002-2003 Olaniyan v University of Lagos (1985) All NLR CNPS v Kuma Ndumbee Appeal No 97/5/02-03 of 5/8/1998 Dandji Marc v College du Progres Appeal No 44 of 4/2/1969 Doherty v Alman (1878) APP CAS 709 th Dragages v Nyamney Paul Loti Appeal No 70 of 17 May 1973 Etude de Me Nkili Martin v Abe Mvogo JC Appeal No 66 of 30/5/1972

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Enonchong Memorial College v Edward Joachim Ngale Suit No CASWP/L.8/87 Enongene Williams V University of Buea (1999) Magistrate Court, Kumba Evouna Hyppolite v Boulangerie Modern Appeal No 164 of 29 June 1971 Fergussion v. John Pawson Partners (1976) 3 ALL E. L.R 517 Fomben Thomas T v Societte Nationale De Eaux Du Cameroon (S N E C) HCF/L.49/99-2000) Fotse v Societe Activa S A CASWP/L11/2001 General Manager CDC v Andrew S Nfor (1997) 1CCLR 116 Guinness Cameroon v Mbiafjeu Jacque Appeal No 5 of 16/11/1978 Gwarak Jean v Splangounis Stamatious Appeal No 18 of 31/1/1974 Hannah Nganje v University of Buea Harp Distribution Services v Nfonba B Joseph [Suit No BCA/1LM/2008 Unreported] Hivac v Park Royal Scientific Instruments Ltd Hutchinson V York (1850) 5 Exchequer I C C v Madam Giesele Guerrinaud Appeal No 59 of 24/8/1978 J. A. Irem v. Obubra District Council (1960)5 FSC 24 Jourdan Roger v Izoung Michel Appeal No 25/4/1978 Kemayou Henry Appeal No 79/S/04-05 of 12/5/2005 Lacore Jean v Alubassa Appeal No 177 of 25/4/1961 Lay Private Education v Ebede Patrick Agi …Suit No CASWP/L.14/2000 Livingstone v Rawyards Coal Co (1880) 5 App Cas 25, 29 Local Government Training Center v Bobuin John Gemandze HCF/L20/98/1M Lloyd V Grace Smith & Co (1912) AC 716 Manga Amougou Luc v SODECOTON Appeal No 58/S/02-03 of 19/4/2002 Mazioh Claude v S.E.A.C Appeal No 45 of 25/4/1974 Morton Sundor Fabrics Ltd v Shew (1966) 2 K.I.R 1 Moukery v SGBC Suit No HCF/20/98-99 viii

National Coal Board v Gally (1958) 1 WLR 16 Ndaka Gabriel v National Social Insurance Fund Suit No CASWP/L9/2002 Ngwang Geofrey v Tangibot Suit No BCA/L6/75 Nkufutoh Tifu Michael v Kom Area Cooperative Union Ltd Suit No BCA/27L/80 N. Nso Richard v Park Nationale De Genie Civil Suit No HCB/5.L/98-99 Offa Enow v C.D.C HCF/l.023/2001-2001 Omong Etienne v Cameroon Airlines Suit No HCH/l.15/2000- 2001 Pamol Plantations Ltd v William Nango Kimbeng CASWP/L22/2004/IM/04 P and T Delegation Buea v Abah Aleh Martin Suit No CASWP/L.15/2002 Poissionarie Populaire Du Cameroon v Shey Ndi [(2001) 2 CCLR 127] Ruth Eyong & 2 Others v SCDP (2000) 1 CCLR PART 6 21 Safra Travaux Public v Tencha Joseph Appeal No 72 of 27/6/1974 Sinclair v Neighbour (1967) 2 QB 279. Socite Activida Assurances v Fotse Marguerite CASWP/L.11/2001 Socite Shell Cameroon S A v Kemajou Appeal No 79/S/04-05 of 12/5/2005 Societe UCB v Allianhu Fidelle Suit No CASWP/L.20/2003 SO DE PA Dumbu v Biebu Martin Nfang BCA/7L/2006 SONEL v Menu Daho CASWP/10/2000 Smith v Baker & Sons (1891)AC 325 Stevenson, Jordan and Harrison v MacDonald and Evans Ltd (1952) T.L.R 101 Sule v. Nigeria Cotton Board (1985) 2 N.W.L.R 17 SYNES Vs Dr. Dorothy Njeuma HCF/120/04-05 Tagne Olivier v Tagne Jean Michel Appeal No 68 of 30/5/1972 The People V Ignatius Tonge CFIB /349C/Copt Nanga Emile Honore v SCTA Arret No 48/S of 01/04/82 ix