In the Republic of the Congo, employees are granted paid vacation leave or annual leave as per the Labor Code (Code du Travail). This is applicable to all employees who meet certain eligibility criteria.

Entitlement

According to Article 133 of the Labor Code, employees are granted paid annual leave at a rate of 1.5 working days for each month of actual service. This roughly translates to about 18 working days of leave annually. However, for those employees who have been continuously employed by the same employer for 2 years or more, they are entitled to 26 working days of leave.

Eligibility

The Labor Code ensures that all employees, regardless of their length of service, are entitled to annual leave.

Scheduling

The timing of vacations should be mutually agreed upon by employers and employees as per Article 136 of the Labor Code. The rest and recuperation needs of the employee should be prioritized by employers as per Article 133 of the Labor Code.

Compensation

Employees are entitled to receive their regular wages during their annual leave period.

Additional Considerations

Collective Agreements

Collective bargaining agreements may provide more generous vacation leave entitlements than the minimum requirements outlined in the Labor Code.

Record Keeping

It is mandatory for employers to maintain accurate records of employees' vacation leave accrual and usage.

The Republic of the Congo celebrates a variety of secular, religious (primarily Christian), and historical holidays throughout the year.

Secular Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1st): This day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year.
• Labor Day (May 1st): This day honors workers' contributions to society.
• Independence Day (August 15th): This day celebrates the Congo's independence from France in 1960.
• National Day (November 28th): This day commemorates the proclamation of the Republic of the Congo in 1958.

Christian Holidays

• Easter Monday: This is the day following Easter Sunday, celebrated by Christians.
• Ascension Day: This day celebrates Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven. It is a Christian observance.
• Pentecost Monday: This day commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. It is a Christian observance.
• Assumption Day (August 15th): This day commemorates the Virgin Mary's bodily assumption into heaven. It is a Catholic observance.
• All Saints' Day (November 1st): This day honors saints and martyrs within the Christian faith.
• Christmas Day (December 25th): This day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

In the Republic of the Congo, the Labor Code (Code du Travail) provides various leave provisions for employees.

Annual Leave

Employees become eligible for 1.5 working days of paid annual leave for each month of continuous service. This generally amounts to 18 working days annually. Workers employed for 2 years or more continuously by the same employer have the right to 26 working days of leave. Leave accrues over time and cannot be taken all at once at the beginning of an employment period. Employers and employees should mutually agree upon vacation timing, considering the company's operational needs and the employee's preference for rest.

Sick Leave

The duration of paid sick leave depends on the employee's length of service:

• Less than 6 months of service: 1 month of full pay
• 6-12 months of service: 2 months of full pay
• Over 1 year of service: 3 months of full pay, 3 months of half pay

Generally, a medical certificate is required to substantiate sick leave.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 14 weeks of fully paid maternity leave (typically 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after childbirth). This is available to women who have been employed for at least six months.

Other Types of Leave

• Bereavement Leave: Employees may be granted a short leave period in the event of the death of a close family member. The Labor Code does not explicitly specify bereavement leave, but it may be covered under special personal leave provisions.
• Leave for Family Events: Employees may be allowed time off for significant family events, such as marriages, births, or other important ceremonies.
• Unpaid Leave: In some circumstances, employees may negotiate unpaid leave with their employers.