“This day is not just a celebration, it is a call to action,” he stated. “Workers must stand united to demand justice, decent work, and respect for labour rights.”
Ceesay acknowledged that although economies were shifting and industries were being reshaped by technology, “one truth remains: it is the labour of workers that drives progress, sustains communities, and forms the backbone of society”.
Yet, he said, workers in The Gambia continue to face low wages, poor working conditions, and weak protections.
He particularly raised concern about the informal sector, which continues to grow but remains neglected in terms of social security, job stability, and workplace safety.
“Despite legal reforms and persistent advocacy, many workers, especially in the informal economy, still lack access to basic protections,” he noted.
Chairman Ceesay reaffirmed GAMTUB’s commitment to six core demands aimed at improving the lives of workers: fair wages that reflect the cost of living and value of labour, safe workplaces with strong health and safety protections, freedom to organize, as guaranteed by International Law Organization (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98, a just transition to a greener economy, ensuring jobs and sustainability, equity and protection regardless of gender, background, or contract type, job security and protection against unfair dismissals and harassment
“Only through unity and solidarity can workers ensure their voices are heard and rights protected,” he declared.
While noting the recent amendment to The Gambia Labour Act, Ceesay said it falls short of addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, particularly pensioners and informal workers.
He stressed the urgent need for stronger enforcement mechanisms, adequate funding for labour institutions, and a sustained dialogue between government, employers, and the workforce.
As part of this year’s May Day observance, GAMTUB chairman calls on the Government of The Gambia to urgently do the following:
- Increase the minimum wage to reflect the real cost of living
- Extend social protection under the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation Act to informal workers
- Formalize informal employment, especially in agriculture
- Create jobs for youth, recognizing their role in national development
- Strengthen labour administration by increasing institutional support
- Support trade unions through logistics, infrastructure, and training
- Ratify critical ILO Conventions, including: C189 on Domestic Workers, C190 on Workplace Harassment, Conventions on labour administration and migrant workers, and full compliance with Conventions 87 and 98 to ensure organizing rights for all, including public servants
Chairman Ceesay further urged for a change in how May Day is celebrated in The Gambia. “Change the format of May Day celebrations. Let the day belong to the workers. The winner of May Day sports should be a union, not an employer,” he emphasised.
