On Labor Day, Halifa Sallah, Secretary General of the People’s Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), made a compelling call for the constitutional empowerment of Gambian workers. Speaking as a lifelong advocate for social justice, Sallah emphasized the need to give organized labor a formal seat at the table in national governance.
Recalling the historical role of trade unions in Africa’s independence movements, Sallah expressed disappointment at the current sidelining of labor in major decisions. He argued that no reform or partnership, especially those affecting public assets like the Gambia Ports Authority, Gamtel, or Gamcel, should proceed without worker participation.
“Workers are the backbone of society,” Sallah said. “Their inclusion in decision-making must be a constitutional right.”
He criticized retraining programs that offer no compensation and highlighted the ongoing struggle of dockworkers who have been denied fair earnings despite over a decade of service. According to Sallah, such contracts consistently overlook labor’s role — a systemic failure that both past and present administrations have failed to address.
Sallah proposed comprehensive reforms, calling for unions, youth, women’s groups, and community-based organizations to be fully empowered under the Constitution. He stressed that democracy should mean direct participation in shaping national policy — not just voting in elections.
He also pointed to the absence of worker representatives in the National Assembly, suggesting a quota-based model to guarantee inclusion of labor, women, and marginalized groups. “Even those who can’t win public office still deserve a voice in laws that affect them,” he said.
Sallah urged the current administration to begin a national dialogue with labor leaders, ensuring workers are part of building future economic and legislative frameworks. He also proposed that every Labor Day become a forum for policy review involving the government, judiciary, and labor organizations.
He concluded by urging the creation of laws shaped by those who live their consequences, reaffirming his belief in a democracy built and led by the people.
