Employees at the Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia (MRC-G) have restarted a sit-down strike following claims that management deducted salaries from those who took part in a previous industrial action, as confirmed by the workers’ union.
Modou Mbye, chairperson of the MRC-G Workers’ Union, stated that the choice to strike once more was a result of what the union characterised as a violation of labour rights.
“Our management proceeded to deduct the salaries of those who took part in the strike on December 16–17,” Mbye stated in an interview. “This has put the entire negotiation process at risk.”
The strike, which took place in December due to ongoing issues concerning salaries, working conditions, career development, and promotion, was called off on December 18 following the health minister’s intervention. Workers consented to resume their duties while negotiations are ongoing.
“Thanks to his intervention as our state minister, we have chosen to suspend the strike,” Mbye stated. “However, we communicated that if the outcome was not as anticipated, we would revisit our plans.”
Upon receiving their pay slips, employees found that their wages had been reduced for the days they participated in the strike. The union communicated with management, emphasising the need to reverse the deductions prior to any additional negotiations. “Since then, we have not heard from them until yesterday, when they contacted us to discuss the matter,” Mbye stated. “I communicated that negotiations will not commence until our demands are fulfilled and the deductions are reimbursed.”
Mbye stated that the union views the deductions as a breach of the labour law.
“Punishing staff for participating in an industrial action is unlawful,” he asserted.
He stated that workers will continue to be off the job until their demands are satisfied.
“We will remain at home until our demands are met,” Mbye emphasised.
Foroyaa has reached out to the press officer for a statement or comment from management, which will be published upon receipt.
