By Noela EBOB BISONG
The Senior Divisional Officer for Fako, Engelbert Viang Mekala has prescribed regular meetings at the work place to discuss salient issues in order to minimise tensions and create an atmosphere of peace and decent work within the work place. Viang was speaking as he addressed workers in Fako Division who turned out at Manga Williams avenue on May 1, to celebrate the 139th edition of the International Labour Day. The 2025 edition was themed – Social Dialogue and Decent Work: For a Peaceful Cameroon.
According to Viang Mekala, social justice, social peace and social stability are by-products of social dialogue and decent work. He noted that a peaceful work place will give room to better performance and high yields, which will in turn increase employment and reduce immigration. On a specific note, Viang rejoiced at the State’s intervention to pay arrears in the Cameroon Development Corporation CDC, urging the workers to return to their duty posts and engage steady work for the growth of the Corporation.
Preceding the SDO, the representative of Trade Unions, Ojong Pius (from the commercial motor taxi sector), regretted that most employers hardly hold social dialogue on work related issues. He said employers’ negligence often lead to injustice in employment, lateness to work, low performance, no refreshal courses, no payment of salaries etc, which culminate in total organisational failure.
“Must workers go on the streets before their problems are solved?”, the Trade Unionist questioned. Why talking on irregularities in the functioning of CNPS dues, Ojong alerted on rampant theft currently looming in the commercial motorbike sector, which he urged the SDO, is a cause for concern.
Prior to the speeches, about 381 Cameroonians were decorated with Labour Day medals in gold (59), silver gilt (112) and silver (210).
The last phase of the event was the march pass ceremony during which a host of ministerial delegations, state-owned corporations, parastatals, private entities and community groups of various backgrounds and standing, marched pass in honour of their work.
The over three-hour event closed with the SDO giving a positive observation in line with the success of the event.
International Labour Day is commemorated worldwide to honour workers’ rights and to uphold the memory of the lives lost during the fight to ensure the 8-hour work day.