By Mariatou Ngum
The Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment Babucarr Ousmaila Joof has revealed that the government has intensified its efforts to re-launch discussion on the determination of a national minimum wage by reconstituting the five Joint Industrial Councils (JICs) and additional two. He revealed that the additional JICs involve are domestic workers and hotels and hospitality industry.
“In addition,” he said, “the government is currently reviewing a number of its legislative instruments such as the Factory Act, the Injury Compensation Act, and the Trade Union Bill with the objective of enhancing the welfare of workers and ensuring the effective functioning of the labour market for the benefit of all”.
The Employment minister made these remarks on the occasion of International Labour Day, which is celebrated on May 1st annually.
“I want to reaffirm that the government of H.E. Adama Barrow is committed to the welfare of workers and employers alike. We consider these two the critical agents of development in any economy,” he stated.
Commenting on the significance of the day, Minister Joof said it is devoted globally to recognising the critical role of workers and the centrality of labour in national development.
Hon. Joof affirmed that this year’s theme; “Accelerating job creation for economic growth”, is a clarion call to action that resonates deeply with the aspirations set forth in their new National Development Plan 2023 – 2027 (Yiriwa) which seeks to propel The Gambia towards a brighter future by leading it out of the shadows of past challenges towards sustainable and inclusive growth.
For his part, Ebrima Garba Cham, the Secretary General of the Gambia National Trade Union Congress, the day serves as a forum to make sober reflections of their achievements and challenges in the previous year and make projections for the future. However, this he said, demands certain responsibilities including discipline and hard work.
He therefore, called on workers to renew and reaffirm their adherence to the principles and practices in accordance with work standards.
