Heineken & former workers in Democratic Republic of Congo reach agreement on labour rights dispute through OECD complaint mechanism
In October 2015, 168 workers previously employed by Heineken's Congolese subsidiary, Bralima, filed a complaint with Dutch National Contact Point (NCP) alleging unlawful dismissals from 1999 – 2003. Complainants alleged that Bralima collaborated with the rebel movement RCD-GOMA, instead of obtaining authorisation from the DRC Ministry of Labour to proceed with massive dismissals for economic reasons. A confidential agreement was reached following the mediation process facilitated by the Dutch NCP. All parties indicate that they are satisfied with the confidential agreement, which includes recommendations to Heineken & monetary compensation for workers. While the agreement is confidential, one Dutch news source reported that the compensation for former workers totals €1.1 million.