by Mariatou Ngum
The Gambia Trade Union Bureau (GAMTUB) in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on Monday commenced a five-day capacity building for trade unionists.
The event held at Sunset Beach Hotel was centered on the theme of the role of trade unions in the transition from the informal to the formal sector.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hon. Baboucarr OusmailsJoof, the Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment said they gathered to strengthen one of the constituents of the national tripartite committee. Noting that it is an honor and a great pleasure to associate himself, the Ministry, and the Government of The Gambia with this event.
He expressed hope that the event will impact and transform this constituent of the National Tripartite Committee by improving the operational efficiency and coordination among its members. “I, therefore, take this opportunity to thank the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for providing the funds for The Gambia Trade Union Bureau (GAMTUB) to organise this event,” he appreciated them.
Recently, he disclosed, that under a technical assistance framework of the “Boosting post-Covid-19 economic recovery and resilience in The Gambia through the formalisation of informal enterprise and their workers (FORMGIS minis project)”, ILO supported the development of a National Formalisation Strategy for the first time in The Gambia, which has recently been validated. With this strategy and the TVET policy and road map.
With hope, he added that the challenges of the huge informality particularly in the MSME ecosystem will be gradually addressed.
He informed the participants that the Ministry has finalised the National Employment Policy and Action Plan 2022=2026, and this is currently being implemented. To enhance the implementation of the policy and operationalization of the Labour Market and Migration Information System.
More so, he revealed that the Ministry has proposed the establishment of a Cabinet Sub-committee, a National Employment Technical Committee, and a Government Industry-Academia Tripartite Committee.
The Minister added that his Ministry knows that the Gambia Trade Union is an important constituent of the national tripartite formation, and they are acutely aware of the significant roles Trade Unions play in the transition of workers from the informal sector to the formal sector, which includes but not limited to; advocating for legal protection, organising and representing workers, providing education and training, supporting entrepreneurship and strengthening social dialogue.
According to him, it is important to note that the specific role and impact of trade unions in the transition from the informal to the formal sector may vary depending on the country, labourregulations, and the level of organisation and representation of trade unions. Therefore, he hopes that this event will provide the next steps and that his Ministry will remain open to work with the Gambia Trade Union Bureau to realize the desired goals
