Employment & Labour
Employment contracts, labour disputes and workforce restructuring.
Overview
ALPs advises employers, HR teams and employees on all aspects of employment and labour law in Cameroon. Employment relationships are governed principally by the Labour Code (Code du Travail, Law No. 92/007 of 14 August 1992) and the general collective agreements that apply by sector, alongside social security obligations under the CNPS. Our team works across sectors — from routine HR advisory to complex workforce restructurings, executive departures and employment litigation.
Talk to this teamWhat we advise on
Our team advises across the full spectrum of employment & labour, with deep expertise in the following areas.
Employment contracts and policies
Collective bargaining and trade union relations
Workforce restructuring and redundancy
Employment disputes and litigation
Executive compensation and incentives
Health and safety compliance
Expatriate employment and work permits
Employment aspects of M&A transactions
How we help
Employment documentation
We draft and review employment contracts (distinguishing fixed-term contracts, which are strictly regulated, from contracts of indefinite duration), HR policies, staff handbooks, internal regulations and executive service agreements, ensuring compliance with the Labour Code and applicable collective agreements.
Workforce restructuring
We advise on workforce restructurings, redundancy programmes and collective dismissals — including the prior administrative authorisations required from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, consultation with staff representatives and the economic-grounds procedures the Code imposes.
Employment disputes
We represent employers and employees in disputes before the labour inspectorate and the social security courts (Tribunaux du Travail), and in mediation, with experience in unfair dismissal, breach of contract, discrimination and benefits claims.
M&A employment
We advise on the employment aspects of M&A and restructuring transactions in Cameroon — including automatic transfer of employment contracts on business transfers, harmonisation of terms and conditions, and post-completion integration.
Selected experience
[CLIENT CONFIRMATION PENDING] Representative employment matters
Representative employment matters are being compiled for publication with client approval.
Related industries
Related insights
All insightsFrequently asked questions
What are the key features of Cameroonian labour law?
Cameroonian labour law is governed primarily by the Labour Code (Code du Travail, Law No. 92/007 of 14 August 1992) and its implementing regulations, supplemented by sector-wide collective agreements. Key features include strict limits on fixed-term contracts, minimum wage requirements set by ministerial order, medical cover and CNPS social security enrolment, procedural protections around dismissal, and rights of trade union organisation and collective bargaining.
What process must be followed for collective dismissals in Cameroon?
Collective dismissals (economic redundancies) in Cameroon require prior authorisation from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. The employer must notify and consult staff representatives or works council members, justify the economic grounds, agree redundancy benefits within the framework of the applicable collective agreement and comply with the prescribed procedure before implementing the redundancies. Failure to obtain prior authorisation exposes the employer to sanctions and reinstatement claims.
Speak to our team
Our lawyers are available to discuss your matter in confidence.