By: Nyima Sillah
The Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof has said the government has intensified its efforts to re-launch discussion on the determination of a National Minimum wage by reconstituting the five Joint Industrial Council (JIC) and add additional two new JIC.
“The additional JIC are domestic workers in hotels and the hospitality industry. In addition, the government is currently reviewing a number of its legislative instruments such as the Factory Act, the Injury Compensation Act, and the Trade Union Bill to enhance the welfare of workers and ensure the effective functioning of the labour market for the benefit of all,” Minister Joof stated on the labour/workers Day celebration held in Banjul.
The Celebration held under the theme Accelerating job creation for economic growth is a clarion call to action that resonates deeply with the aspirations outlined in the new National Development Plan 2023 – 2027 (Yiriwa) which seeks to propel The Gambia towards a brighter future by leading it out of the shadows of past challenges towards sustainable and inclusive growth.
Joof stated that through the new NDP, the Government of The Gambia is dedicated to transforming the economy to generate opportunities to uplift citizens through enhanced employment prospects.
“This transformation is particularly focused on industries such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, which are vital for The Gambia’s economic diversification and industrial advancement,” he remarked.
He pointed out that In line with this year’s theme, they recognize the imperative to transition labour from less productive sectors to those that are more dynamic and technologically advanced, fostering a labour market that is innovative and responsive to the needs of a rapidly evolving global economy.
Minister Joof opined that their aim is to facilitate the shift by promoting industrialization and value addition, particularly in labor-intensive sectors with lower capital requirements, thereby creating ample employment opportunities for our burgeoning youth demographic.
He explained their commitment to creating jobs and ensuring that these jobs are decent, sustainable, and contribute to the broader socio-economic growth of The Gambia. Our efforts to attract Foreign Direct Investment, coupled with our commitment to ratifying and implementing global treaties on labour, underscore our resolve to improve every Gambian’s quality of life through meaningful employment.
“Let me reiterate my commitment to ensuring workplace safety, recognizing that a safe work environment is fundamental to worker productivity and well-being. Strengthening the enforcement of existing health and safety legislation is a priority for my ministry, ensuring that both employers and employees are aware of and adhere to the highest standards of workplace safety,” he stated.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of President Barrow’s government to the welfare of workers and employers alike, contending that they consider these two the critical agents of development in any economy.