Abdou Colley, Secretary of State for Trade, Industry and Employment, has asserted that the government of The Gambia will ensure that the fundamental human rights of workers are maintained at all times.

Secretary of State Colley made these remarks while delivering a statement on the occasion of 17th Edition of Workers’ Day (May Day) celebration in the country, on Tuesday at the Independence Stadium in Bakau. Thousands of workers, representatives of institutions and organisations, and members of the public converged at the Stadium to celebrate the day, amid a wide range of sporting events.

At the occasion, Trade, Industry and Employment SoS noted that government always ensures the enforcement of these rights. He therefore urged all workers to exercise a special sense of responsibility, which includes discipline, hard work and respect for others. He called on the Gambian work force to adhere to these principles, adding that the world is now faced with economic liberalisation and globalisation.

SoS Colley indicated that the established relationship between the state, labour and business has impacted on the employment pattern and social consciousness. However, he expressed the need for change in “our common mission to achieve decent and productive” work opportunities. He acknowledged workers’ contributions to nations’ wealth.

He noted that the government of The Gambia has achieved a lot in promoting the rights of workers, saying the government has interest in social justice and better working conditions for workers.
According to him, this was the reason why Banjul and Kanifing Industrial Tribunal Courts were established. He lauded the achievements of these courts as “very encouraging”.

SoS Colley informed the Gambian work force that the government has formulated policies and strategies to reduce the level of unemployment in the country. He disclosed that the government, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), has just launched the Gambia Priority Empowerment Programme (Gamjobs) at a cost of US$9.5 million. He said the implementation of the project will start in 2010/11. “Intensive resource mobilization is underway to secure necessary funds from development partners,” he added.

Ebrima Garba Cham, Secretary- General of the Gambia National Trade Union Congress (GNTUC), urged the government to set up autonomous Ministry of Labour, with the necessary budgetary allocations in order to extend the labour inspection services at regional level.

Mr. Cham added that the Labour Department recognises the need to establish a Labour Training Council that comprises the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Labour Department and the concerned NGO’s.

The GNTUC Secretary-General informed workers that the union has been trying to initiate drivers employment cards that will enable them to enjoy pension benefits at old age.

He urged the Secretary of State for Local Government and Lands to allocate a suitable site for Tipper Garage. He finally urged the National Assembly to enact the new Labour Bill into a law, saying it will redress the aspirations of workers.