The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Federation of Labour Unions of The Gambia (FLUG) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation between employers and workers.
The agreement was signed on Thursday at the GCCI office in Bijilo, bringing together representatives of GCCI and the labour movement.
Speaking at the ceremony, GCCI Chief Executive Officer Sarata Conateh described the partnership as a “natural” one, noting that the Chamber is the country’s historically recognised employers’ association.
Conateh said GCCI welcomes the emergence of FLUG and sees an opportunity to formalise collaboration between the two institutions.
She said both organisations share common objectives, including improving employment opportunities and promoting decent work in The Gambia.
Conateh also commended FLUG for establishing the federation and urged its members to maintain and strengthen the organisation.
She said the two institutions will monitor the implementation of the MoU and work together to ensure that it achieves its objectives.
FLUG President Omar Ceesay described the signing as another important milestone for the labour movement in The Gambia.
Ceesay said GCCI represents employers in the Government-ILO tripartite committee, while FLUG represents workers, making the two institutions key partners in addressing labour and economic issues.
He said the federation will use the partnership to push for improved working conditions, minimum wages, occupational health and safety, gender equality and measures against gender-based violence.
According to Ceesay, workers in the private and informal sectors make up a significant part of the country’s workforce, making cooperation between workers and employers important for economic development.
He said the MoU will allow both sides to combine their experience and engage the government collectively on challenges affecting workers and businesses.
Ceesay called on workers and employers to support the partnership, saying stronger cooperation between the two sides could contribute to sustainable economic development.
The two institutions said they will continue working together to advance the interests of workers, employers and the wider economy.