#Headlines

Transport Union forms interim committee

May 12, 2020, 11:35 AM | Article By: Njie Baldeh

Members of The Gambia Transport Food, Agriculture and Industrial Workers Union, the biggest Transport Union in The Gambia, on Saturday 9 May 2020 overwhelmingly endorsed a resolution to dissolve its executive committee under the leadership of Mustapha Jobe, alleging that the committee has failed in all aspects and dormant in all major national issues affecting its members.

The meeting was held at the Office of The Gambia Trade Union Bureau.

Union members cited many instances of national issues where the union leaders failed, including the border crisis, the coronavirus containment activities, transport fares and in many issues that adversely affects drivers and vehicle owners.

After a heated argument, it was agreed to remove Mustapha Jobe and select an interim executive committee headed by Pa Jabel Faal as president of the union with immediate effect.

 Mr. Faal, a dynamic trade union leader will be assisted by Omar Touray, Samba Khan and Sarjo Kanyi. Mrs. Fatou Seedibeh remains the treasurer and Famara Saidy as national coordinator.

The following coordinators were also selected:

Babou Mbye, Serrekunda, Omar Manneh, Bundung, Baboucar Faal, Banjul, Momodou Jallow, a driver from U.S.A., Turn Table.

Coordinators for Basse, Farefeni ,Barra, Brikama  and Brikama BA will be named over the weekend.

Representative of The Gambia Labour Congress will be an ex officio member.

The new committee will meet to draw a new guide line towards resuscitating the activities of the union and craft a roadmap against the next congress.

The interim committee will seek support from relevant government ministries and departments including The Gambia Police Force in all its national endeavours.

Speaking in an interview with The Point shortly after the meeting, Kebba Masaneh Ceesay, secretary general of The Gambia Labour Congress, said the action on the part of former executive committee was of great concern to him because the congress has given every support to the union including organising three workers’ Education Seminar and providing international exposure for its officials.

“Pa Faal is a well known and dynamic leader known by members throughout the transport subsector and trust that under his leadership, positive results will be derived.” Mr. Ceesay said of Mr. Faal.

He said the meeting was organised by The Gambian Labour Congress to sort out the problems of one of its affiliates.

Mariama Saine, a member of The Gambia Transport, Food, Agriculture and Indusial Workers Union, said the meeting has achieved a very good conclusion as members were yeaning for such an outcome.

“There were a lot of critical issues that have been pending. So therefore, an interim executive committee which is being formed is going to oversee the operations of the union until the congress.”