It was an opportunity for workers to make their voices heard.
Workers in Cameroon joined the rest of the world to celebrate the 126th edition of the International Labour Day yesterday May 1, 2012. The theme for this year was “Social cohesion for social peace and sustainable development.”
A mammoth march past at the May 20 Avenue in downtown Yaounde that lasted more than two hours marked the end of activities to commemorate the day. Workers from the formal and informal sectors, clad in their different uniforms, thronged the venue to celebrate the memorable day.
It was an opportunity for the workers to bare their minds through messages. As they marched past in front of the grandstand, the messages on the banners were clear. Workers called for better working conditions through messages such as “No to abusive layoffs and yes to collective convention for workers.” Some banners simply bore “Solidarity!” While others called for peace and harmony in Cameroon. “Together, vigilance for the protection of peace in Cameroon,” “Stop splitting trade unions! We are partners of the State and not enemies!”
The messages were based on the theme of the day. “Price tripartite dialogue for social cohesion” and “Fight against corruption.” There were also messages in support of the Head of State. The message of private education workers, especially Catholic teachers, stood out. “The Catholic teacher is a worker like all and needs the protection of the government.”
Workers in the communication sector on the other hand brandished a message which read “Communication: social cohesion facilitator.” The National Human Rights Commission carried the banner “Protecting the rights of workers in Cameroon” while the farmers’ message said it all: “Encourage apiculture and agriculture to alleviate poverty.” Those in the arts and culture carried the banner “Together let’s support Cameroon arts and culture.” In all, workers called for social dialogue, better working conditions and peace in Cameroon.
