Ebrima Garba Cham, Secretary General of the Gambia National Trade Union Congress, noted unfair dismissals, unpaid entitlements, and weak enforcement of labour laws during a May Day 2026 address in The Gambia. Speaking to a gathering of workers and labour advocates, Cham emphasized May Day as a moment for reflecting on workers’ conditions and labour rights, stating, "The day provides an occasion for all workers to renew their commitment to productive engagement in dignity, within an atmosphere of peace and tranquility." He showed the importance of this annual observance as a critical opportunity to assess the state of labour relations and the welfare of the workforce across the nation.
Cham urged workers to maintain discipline and professionalism while defending their rights through collective action. He stressed that individual efforts, while important, gain significant strength when unified under a common purpose. "I call on all of you to reaffirm your adherence to professional standards. We owe it to posterity to make The Gambia a better place to live and work," he added, appealing to a sense of shared responsibility for the nation's future. He stressed that industrial harmony and dialogue are key for economic progress, asserting that a stable and cooperative labour environment is a cornerstone of national development. "I urge you to cultivate a spirit of industrial peace and harmony. Our reliance on dialogue as a tool for dispute resolution is a secret to our economic success," Cham concluded, advocating for constructive engagement over confrontational tactics to resolve workplace disagreements. This approach, he noted, has historically proven effective in fostering sustainable growth and improving working conditions.
Scope of Labour Abuses
Persistent labour abuses continue to affect workers across various sectors in The Gambia, according to the Gambia National Trade Union Congress. These widespread issues include unfair dismissals, which leave many workers without recourse, and the widespread use of irregular contracts that often deny employees basic protections and benefits. Workers frequently face the non-payment of public holiday and overtime entitlements, depriving them of earned compensation. A significant concern noted by the Congress is the failure by some employers to remit required social security contributions for their workers, jeopardizing future benefits and financial security. These practices collectively contribute to a precarious employment landscape for many Gambians.
Beyond these fundamental issues, further concerns have been raised regarding unreported workplace accidents. The lack of proper reporting mechanisms and follow-up means that injured workers may not receive adequate care or compensation, and dangerous working conditions can persist unchecked. Additionally, the implementation of redundancy practices often occurs without the provision of severance pay, leaving dismissed employees in vulnerable financial situations. These practices contribute significantly to precarity within the workforce, making it difficult for individuals and families to plan for their economic future.
Another reported issue involves the replacement of some Gambian workers with foreign labour on short-term cycles. This practice introduces instability into employment conditions for local workers, who find their positions vulnerable to being filled by temporary foreign hires. This trend not only impacts individual livelihoods but also raises questions about long-term employment strategies within the country. The prevalence of unfair dismissals has led to significant congestion in industrial courts nationwide, indicating a systemic problem in resolving labour disputes. The sheer volume of cases shows the widespread nature of these abuses and the challenges workers face in seeking justice through formal channels. The delays in court proceedings further compound the difficulties faced by those unfairly dismissed, prolonging their period of unemployment and financial distress.
Workers who were transferred from the Gambia Ports Authority to Alport are reportedly not receiving the full agreed terms and conditions of their employment. This includes critical issues related to management representation, which is vital for ensuring workers' voices are heard in decision-making processes, and compliance with established labour provisions. According to sources familiar with the situation, these discrepancies have created significant dissatisfaction and uncertainty among the affected workers, noting a failure to uphold agreements made during the transfer process. This specific case exemplifies the broader challenges of ensuring that contractual obligations and labour laws are consistently applied and enforced, especially during organizational transitions.
Economic Pressures and Wage Stagnation
Salaries in The Gambia have not kept pace with the rising cost of living, according to the Gambia National Trade Union Congress. This disparity has created a significant financial strain on workers and their families. Wage levels continue to remain below inflationary pressures, meaning that the purchasing power of earnings is steadily eroding. Data indicates significant increases in the cost of living over recent years, exacerbating the financial challenges faced by the workforce. As of March 2026, the cost of living index stood at 6.6%. This figure represents a decrease from previous years, where the index was recorded at 12.3% in 2024. In 2025, the cost of living index was 10.2%. Despite the dip in the index by March 2026, the cumulative effect of these inflationary trends has meant that workers' earnings have lost substantial purchasing power over time. The trade union congress emphasized that the stagnation of wages against these economic factors exacerbates the challenges faced by the workforce, making it increasingly difficult for many to meet their basic needs. The persistent gap between income and expenditure is a major driver of poverty and economic insecurity among working families.
The Congress noted that the real value of wages has been steadily declining, impacting the quality of life for countless individuals. This economic reality often forces workers to take on additional jobs or rely on informal economic activities to supplement their income, leading to increased stress and reduced leisure time. The inability of wages to keep pace with inflation also hinders national development efforts, as a financially struggling workforce is less productive and less able to contribute to economic growth. The call for a national minimum wage framework is partly in response to this pressing issue, aiming to establish a baseline that can help alleviate some of the financial burden on the lowest-paid workers.
Institutional Weaknesses and Proposed Solutions
Alleged violations of the Labour Act 2023 are occurring, according to reports from the Gambia National Trade Union Congress and other labour stakeholders. These violations indicate a significant gap between legislative intent and practical enforcement, undermining the protections afforded to workers by law. The consistent disregard for established legal frameworks points to systemic issues within the labour regulatory environment.
To address systemic labour issues and strengthen the protective framework for workers, a Joint Industrial Councils Committee has been established. This committee, formed in consultation with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, is currently tasked with determining a national minimum wage framework. This initiative aims to provide a key baseline for worker compensation across various sectors, ensuring that all employees receive a fair and living wage. The establishment of such a framework is seen as a vital step towards reducing wage disparities and improving the overall economic well-being of the working population. The committee's work involves extensive research and consultation with employers, unions, and government bodies to arrive at a consensus that is both economically viable and socially equitable.
Discussions are also ongoing through a Social Dialogue Committee regarding the ratification of International Labour Organization conventions. These discussions are a critical step towards aligning The Gambia's labour laws and practices with international standards, which can provide enhanced protections and rights for workers. The process involves careful consideration of the implications of each convention on national legislation and economic conditions. These deliberations precede the submission of proposals to the National Assembly of The Gambia, indicating a legislative path for incorporating international labour standards into national law. Successful ratification and implementation of these conventions would signify a strong commitment by The Gambia to upholding global best practices in labour relations and human rights in the workplace.
However, institutional oversight bodies have faced significant challenges, with labour advisory and factory boards remaining inactive since 2025. This prolonged inactivity severely affects the monitoring and enforcement of labour regulations and workplace safety standards across the country. The absence of these key bodies means that regular inspections, compliance checks, and advisory services are either non-existent or severely diminished, creating a vacuum that allows non-compliance and unsafe practices to proliferate. The re-activation and strengthening of these boards are essential steps to ensure that labour laws are not only on the books but are also effectively implemented and enforced, thereby safeguarding the rights and well-being of all workers in The Gambia. Their operational capacity is vital for creating a strong and responsive labour governance system.
