Moma Sandrine in Bamenda
Some inhabitants of Bamenda joined the international community to commemorate the International Labour day on May 1, under the theme “Social dialogue, a factor in the promotion of descent work and socio-economic progress in Cameroon”.
While celebrating the 132nd edition of the International Labour Day, workers in Bamenda decried poor working conditions while highlighting the challenges they face as a result of the socio-economic instability in the region.
“My main challenge as a worker in Bamenda is the low salary I receive at my place of work coupled with the fact that the salary payment is most often delayed”. Isaac Tamunang, a yard man at the Bamenda University told The SUN.
“I have worked for over 10 months for my boss and have only received my salary just twice during that period. It’s a terrible situation” another worker narrated.
The issue of poor salaries allocated to workers was frowned at by the Vice President of Cameroon Trade Union, Ndi Lawrence Ngong as he addressed the population present at the Bamenda commercial Avenue grandstand. “Employers owe workers’ salaries and sometimes don’t even pay. Some workers are treated as slaves by employers. The situation of workers in the North West is below 10%. It is embarrassing To this effect, I call on employers to institute social dialogue with their workers so as to ensure work progress in Cameroon”, Ndi Lawrence said.
The North West Region has suffered the devastating effects of socio-economic unrest resulting in the lost of at least 1.000 jobs with over 20 enterprises closing their doors. In just three months, Bamenda has observed 86 ghost towns which has been a major setback to businesses in the town.
To this, the Governor of the North West, Adolf Lele L’Afrique called on inhabitants of the town to join efforts in fighting insecurity in the Region “All of us should fight against insecurity in the region and allow the economic situation of the region to return to normal”, L’Afrique told workers.
While celebrating the day, some meritorious workers were awarded medals for their effectiveness at their workplace. The ceremony that brought together mainly workers of the public sector was done under the auspices of North West Governor, the SDO for mezam, the regional delegate for Labor and Social Security, the regional delegate of communication, DO’s and a host of other personalities.