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[6 September 2007] - A new labour bill, which could curb child and bonded labour, has been presented before the Gambian National Assembly. The bill seeks to incorporate principles set out in the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions, ratified by The Gambia since its accession to membership of the world body in 1995, including Convention 105 on the abolition of forced labour, Convention 138 on minimum age, and Convention 182 on the elimination of the worst forms of child labour, as well as Convention 98 on the right to organise and collective bargaining and Convention 111 on discrimination in employment and occupation. Presenting the bill before members, Abdou Colley, Secretary of State for Trade, Industry and Employment said the Labour Bill of 2007 also ensures that the regulatory framework for labour matters is aligned to developments in both the domestic and international labour markets, in the quest to maintain a healthy working environment condusive to fair labour relations. He said the review was conducted with the technical assistance of the International Labour Organisation. He further noted that the Labour Bill of 2007 is an update of the Labour Act of 1990. The Act also opens a new chapter on the fight against discrimination on the basis of HIV and AIDS. Given the prevalence of people living with HIV and AIDS among the labour force in The Gambia, this provision will guarantee the rights of affected people and reinforce the battle against discrimination and stigma. It further provides for the inclusion of a chapter on the employment of children in an effort to domesticate the ILO Convention on the elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour. “There has been a global outcry against child labour, which The Gambia cannot afford to ignore," Mr Colley stressed. Mr Colley pointed out that the review of the Labour Act of 1990 is a reflection of the The Gambian government’s awareness that employment is fundamental to the fight against poverty and social exclusion. He added that the pursuit of decent work should go beyond narrow economic calculations and rights. "The bill therefore, will bring labour relations in The Gambia in line with international accepted standards, and ensure that, both workers and employers are protected from any unfair practices" he concluded. Supporting the bill, Hon. Adama Cham, National Assembly member for Kombo North, commended the Secretary of State and his team of experts for preparing the bill. He then called for collective responsibility to realise the objectives of the Bill. Further information
It makes provisions for the establishment of industrial tribunals, one in Banjul and in such other Local Government Areas which the Chief Justice may determine.
Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Majority Leader and member for Serrekunda West commended the government trying to harmonise domestic law with internationally accepted standards.
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