By Kebba Ansu Manneh
Bakery workers in Sinchu Alagie, Sinchu Baliya, Kunkujang Keita, and Wellingara (Old Yundum) have urged the Gambian government and the Ministry of Trade to address their plight, citing poor working conditions and inadequate wages. Over 400 workers, mostly Gambian youths, are employed in bakeries largely owned by Guinean and Senegalese proprietors, who, they claim, neglect their welfare.
Workers’ Representatives highlighted the absence of formal employment contracts, social security, income tax contributions, medical care, and safety gear.
The workers’ demands come amid concerns about potential bread shortages, as seen during past feast periods, underscoring the urgency of government action to retain Gambian youths in the sector.
Amadou Bah, a worker, emphasized the need for government intervention to secure job documentation and improve conditions, stating, “Most of us have been casual workers for years, leaving us and our families vulnerable.”
Bah, a representative of the workers, highlighted the precarious situation many face after years of casual employment without formal contracts, social security, income tax provisions, or access to medical care.
“We are urging the government to engage with our employers to improve our working conditions,” Bah stated. “The lack of formal employment documentation leaves us and our families vulnerable.”
He expressed concern that many young Gambians are leaving the sector due to these unregulated working conditions, despite a growing interest in bakery jobs.
Alagie Kandeh, another young baker, echoed these sentiments, advocating for salary increases to alleviate the financial burden on workers. He pointed out that the wages in the bakery sector are among the lowest in the country, making it challenging for workers to support their families adequately.
Kandeh also noted the challenges faced during feast periods when bread shortages occur, emphasizing that government intervention is essential to ensure a stable workforce and prevent potential bread scarcity.
He criticized bakery owners for consistently raising bread prices and supplier payments without considering salary increases for their employees.
If their concerns remain unaddressed, the workers have indicated they may resort to a massive strike that could disrupt bread production in Old Yundum and surrounding areas.
Yahya Dambele, a bakery worker in The Gambia, expressed concerns about the working conditions of bakery employees. He highlighted that the government focuses primarily on bakery owners’ welfare rather than the workers’ conditions. He pointed out that approximately 95% of bakery workers lack formal employment documentation, social security, income tax provisions, and medical coverage.
Dembele underscored these workers’ financial difficulties, stating that many struggle to manage their children’s education and medical expenses while ensuring proper nourishment for their families.
He further urged the Ministry of Youth to engage and support the significant number of Gambian youths employed in the bakery sector, many of whom have completed their basic and secondary education but do not have the financial means to pursue higher education.
