Tensions at the Port of Banjul escalated further on Thursday as Alport Banjul Limited, the Turkish-managed operator of the facility, issued a stern directive to staff to immediately resume full operations, including overtime duties, following the resolution of delayed February salary payments.
In a letter dated March 4, 2026, addressed to Adama Jatta, President of the Alport Staff Association, Managing Director Salih Levent Kaçar confirmed that the technical banking issue causing the salary delays had been “fully rectified,” with all outstanding payments now processed and disbursed.
The correspondence comes in response to the staff association’s March 2 ultimatum, which demanded explanations for the non-payment of February salaries within 24 hours and announced the withdrawal of overtime services effective March 3. Workers limited operations to 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, framing the measure as a “lawful withdrawal of discretionary overtime” rather than a strike, while adhering strictly to regulated working hours.
Management rejected this characterization, asserting that staff receive a fixed overtime allowance as part of standard monthly pay, with additional compensation only for hours exceeding that allowance. By refusing to perform those additional hours, the company argued, employees were breaching agreed conditions of service.
Alport further classified the collective action—halting operations at 16:00 hours and refusing standard duties—as “improper industrial action” under The Gambia’s Labour Act, 2023. The letter cited Section 175(1)(a), which requires 14 days’ written notice to the Commissioner of Labour for any industrial action, and Section 175(2), mandating 28 days’ notice for disruptions to essential services affecting public life, health, or safety.
“While the Staff Association claims this measure is not a strike, the collective decision… constitutes an improper industrial action in effect,” the letter stated. It emphasized the port’s critical role in supplying essential goods, fuel, medical supplies, and other commodities vital to The Gambia’s economic stability and national security.
With salaries now paid, Alport declared there was “no lawful or justifiable basis” for continuing the action. The company warned it was prepared to seek immediate High Court relief to restrain the disruption if necessary, though it preferred “constructive engagement.”
Staff was directed to resume normal duties, including overtime, without delay. Continued refusal would lead to non-payment of overtime allowances for unperformed services, disciplinary proceedings, and potential further legal action.
The dispute follows recurring grievances since Alport (a subsidiary linked to the Turkish Albayrak Group) assumed management of port operations under a concession with the Gambia Ports Authority. Earlier reports highlighted unpaid overtime dating back months, extended shifts without compensation, and allegations of financial mismanagement and unequal treatment.
Workers had expressed frustration over what they described as coercive practices and disregard for labor welfare, with some social media posts and local outlets noting claims that certain staff received minimal payments (as low as 3,000 dalasis) for February.
As the port remains a lifeline for national trade and imports, observers are watching closely to see whether staff comply with the directive or whether mediation—potentially involving the Department of Labour or government ministries—will be required to avert prolonged disruptions.
Alport reiterated its openness to dialogue but stressed that “the economic stability of the country” cannot be compromised, urging an immediate return to full operations.
