The training, which brings together trade unionists from across the country, is being supported by Public Services International (PSI), the Solidarity Center and the International Trade Union Confederation-Africa (ITUC-Africa).
The initiative forms part of FLUG’s efforts to build a stronger, more united and effective labour movement capable of providing pragmatic, proactive and responsive services to its affiliated unions and workers.
The three-day core programme features simultaneous sessions focusing on Leadership Development and Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH), with each session bringing together 30 participants drawn from FLUG-affiliated unions.
The programme will conclude with a dedicated civic education session designed to strengthen the capacity of trade unionists to participate responsibly in civic and democratic processes as The Gambia approaches a critical election cycle.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, FLUG President Omar Ceesay expressed appreciation to the federation’s international partners for their continued support, solidarity and commitment to strengthening the trade union movement in The Gambia.
He said the establishment of FLUG had brought workers and trade unions together under a collective platform, making investment in leadership, knowledge, unity and solidarity essential to building an effective labour movement.
“The strength of our movement depends on strong leadership, an informed membership, unity and solidarity,” President Ceesay stated.
According to him, the leadership component of the training is intended to strengthen democratic, accountable and effective trade union leadership, while the GBVH component will enhance the unions’ ability to prevent and address violence and harassment in workplaces.
He stressed that creating safe, dignified and inclusive workplaces must remain a priority for the labour movement.
President Ceesay further highlighted the importance of civic education, particularly as the country moves towards an important electoral period.
He said trade union members must be adequately informed and equipped to participate responsibly in civic and democratic processes while maintaining the independence and integrity of the trade union movement.
“Trade unionism is built on unity, collective action and solidarity,” he said, reaffirming FLUG’s commitment to defending workers’ rights, promoting decent work, social justice, equality and dignity for all workers.
He urged participants to actively engage in the training, share their experiences and ensure that lessons gained are translated into meaningful action within their respective unions and workplaces.
The FLUG president also welcomed international partners, national union leaders, workers’ representatives and the media, noting that their participation demonstrated the importance of solidarity and collective strength in advancing workers’ interests.
Established in 2026, FLUG is positioning itself as a unifying platform for The Gambia’s labour movement, with a mandate to champion the voice, rights and interests of workers across both the formal and informal sectors.
The federation says strengthening its institutional and leadership capacity remains central to building a representative labour movement that can effectively engage employers, government and other stakeholders on issues affecting workers and the broader world of work.
