The
umbrella body of the private sector in The Gambia has again completed a
vigorous training exercise on the labour laws of the country to put employees
and employers up to speed with the nitty-gritty of the law.
In
addition to the training on the country’s labour law it held last month
(August), the Gambia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Employers’
Association (GCCI) held another training this month (September 2016), which
included the second batch of employees and employers trained on the country’s
labour laws.
This
strategic move taken by the private sector apex body demonstrates the
importance of the country’s labour laws and the seriousness the GCCI attaches
to the understanding of the subject by the workforce of this country.
It
cannot be really overemphasised that the problems of labour laws are all over
the corridors of many workplaces in this country, which many a time end up in
legal tussles that go in favour of either party – the employer or the employee.
These
cases cause a lot of stress for both parties, as they consume time, energy and
huge financial resources for especially corporate bodies/employers.
Considering
this situation, the GCCI, as a responsible private sector apex body, decided to
level the ground to ensure a friendlier relationship and common understanding
between employers and employees, so that even where there is separation between
the two parties, bridges would not be broken.
The
Chamber in its wise sailing, first of all prepared a guide book called The GCCI
Employers’ Guide on the Labour Laws of The Gambia, which catalogues various
Acts and aspects that are pertinent to labour services in The Gambia. These
include the Labour Act 2007, Women’s Act 2010, Social Security Act 2010,
Injuries Compensation Fund Act 1990, The Ombudsman Act 1997, Children’s Act
2005, and Public Service Act 1991.
Also
explained in it are the roles of dispute resolution stakeholder institutions,
procedures, and mechanisms for mediation and arbitration, and the collective
roles dispute resolution stakeholder institutions can play in helping settle
commercial disputes.
These
are essential aspects that should be known by all employers, as well as
employees, in this country for there to be common understanding and good
working relationship at workplaces.
So
taking the responsibility of providing a guide book on labour laws and
equipping the employers and employees with such a knowledge is a giant effort
that needs commendation.
Therefore,
the GCCI, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation and
Emanic Consulting Company Ltd, deserves a tap on the back for this laudable
initiative in the country.
“Generally
Labour Legislations are constructively fortified with the goal of revitalizing
the socio-economic fabric of the country through their malleable yet firm
provisions, which hypothetically works its way through harmonizing the
relationship between employer and employee.”
Henrieta Newton Martin
