Workers Advocate Better Working Conditions

Events to culminate in the 125th edition of the International Labour Day in Cameroon reached climax on the D-Day, Sunday, May 1, with a grand march-past at the 20th May Avenue in Yaounde in which workers from all the nooks and crannies in the city brandished banners calling for workers/employers synergy in a bid to improve the conditions in workplace. During the march-past, which was punctuated by nine speeches, one from the Minister of Labour and Social Security and eight from the heads of various workers’ trade unions in Cameroon, union leaders, reiterated the theme of celebration: “Giving Value to Work”, adding that the government, employers and workers themselves have to consider several things in improving the working environment of workers in Cameroon.

In their speeches, heads of various trade unions noted “We cannot develop our jobs with the same policies and measures that are spoiling the workforce in Cameroon”. They stressed that it is impossible for workers to progress in their jobsite with abusive layoffs and persistent poor working conditions. Although it was underlined that workers need to be disciplined, loyal and punctual so as to produce better results, trade union heads pleaded that the government and employers should again look into the social security and social protection of workers, promote international norms at work, re-define the labour code in Cameroon, re-develop and regularise collective conventions in various companies.

During the over three-hour march-past in which workers carried the effigy of the Head of State, Paul Biya, samples of their company products as well as banners identifying their various companies, the workers did not also hesitate to show off meaningful messages geared toward improving their output and promoting better worker conditions. Workers in the health sectors brandished a message which read “appreciate our work for quality health care and the respect of human life”. The popular banner saying “No to unemployment” was not left out. According to workers, the government is taking measures against unemployment through the recruitment of 25, 000 young diploma holders in Cameroon.

Workers through messages said they want their working conditions improved not just for Cameroon to progress, but also for the quest for better living standards, particularly in the commercial milieu and the respect of professional ethics.

Brenda YUFEH