Editorial

Workers in The Gambia yesterday converged on the Independence Stadium to commemorate the International Workers' Day, generally referred to as May Day.This day was borne out of a struggle for shorter work days - a demand of major political significance for the working class.

Although the demand for higher wages appears to be the most prevalent cause for the earlier Workers' Days, the question of shorter hours and the right to organise were always in the fore when workers brought their demands before their bosses and the government. As exploitation was becoming intensified and workers were feeling more and more the strain of inhumane long working hours, the demand for an appreciable reduction of working hours became more pronounced.

Each year, the rest of the world joins the International Labour Organisation to remember the plight of workers across the globe and those who struggle to ensure that the working class is not exploited at work. In The Gambia, it has become a tradition for all the workers to converge on one place to celebrate and reflect on the prevailing peace, progress and prosperity flourishing in the country.

We are grateful that the leadership of President Jammeh has engendered a climate that allows workers to become part of their institutions, as measures are put in place that bar the exploitation and marginalisation of the workers. As we mark May Day, we should always remember to cement our loyalty to the state andinstitutions where we work, share with loved ones, friends and families and continue our immense contribution to the development of the country. 

The President has always maintained that the satisfaction of the Gambian people is what he stands for. This has been manifested in his devotion to uplifting the living standards of the workers. It is no longer news to hear in the country about workers, particularly civil servants being motivated. Issues regarding facilitation of mobility of workers, provision of benefits such as social security all justify the fact that an enabling environment is being provided for the Gambian working class.

In recognition of the importance of the Workers' Day and its significance to all of us, we wish the entire workforce of the country, irrespective of designation, gender or colour, a happy Workers' Day. Accordingly, we would like to take this opportunity to wish our employees a fruitful and fulfilling Workers' Day celebrations. We share this important day with you as we strive to build a Gambia that is devoid of discrimination and exploitation of workers.

Workers in The Gambia yesterday converged on the Independence Stadium to commemorate the International Workers' Day, generally referred to as May Day.This day was borne out of a struggle for shorter work days - a demand of major political significance for the working class.

Although the demand for higher wages appears to be the most prevalent cause for the earlier Workers' Days, the question of shorter hours and the right to organise were always in the fore when workers brought their demands before their bosses and the government. As exploitation was becoming intensified and workers were feeling more and more the strain of inhumane long working hours, the demand for an appreciable reduction of working hours became more pronounced.

Each year, the rest of the world joins the International Labour Organisation to remember the plight of workers across the globe and those who struggle to ensure that the working class is not exploited at work. In The Gambia, it has become a tradition for all the workers to converge on one place to celebrate and reflect on the prevailing peace, progress and prosperity flourishing in the country.

We are grateful that the leadership of President Jammeh has engendered a climate that allows workers to become part of their institutions, as measures are put in place that bar the exploitation and marginalisation of the workers. As we mark May Day, we should always remember to cement our loyalty to the state andinstitutions where we work, share with loved ones, friends and families and continue our immense contribution to the development of the country. 

The President has always maintained that the satisfaction of the Gambian people is what he stands for. This has been manifested in his devotion to uplifting the living standards of the workers. It is no longer news to hear in the country about workers, particularly civil servants being motivated. Issues regarding facilitation of mobility of workers, provision of benefits such as social security all justify the fact that an enabling environment is being provided for the Gambian working class.

In recognition of the importance of the Workers' Day and its significance to all of us, we wish the entire workforce of the country, irrespective of designation, gender or colour, a happy Workers' Day. Accordingly, we would like to take this opportunity to wish our employees a fruitful and fulfilling Workers' Day celebrations. We share this important day with you as we strive to build a Gambia that is devoid of discrimination and exploitation of workers.