Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Tensions have on Monday escalated at the Banjul Seaport after the President of the Staff Association, Adama Jatta, issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Turkish management over the non-payment of February salaries.
In a letter addressed to the port’s operators, Albayrak Group, Jatta demanded an immediate explanation for what she described as the failure to credit the majority of employees with their February wages.
She also raised concerns about unpaid overtime services, warning that Gambian port workers must not be treated unfairly.
“It has come to our attention that salaries due and payable to staff have not been credited to the majority of employees as expected for the month of February,” she wrote, citing Chapter IV of the GPA Service Rules, which governs salaries and allowances.
According to her, salary payments are a contractual and statutory entitlement, with clearly regulated payment dates that form binding conditions of service.
Jatta further invoked the Labour Act 2023, particularly provisions under Part XVI on the protection of wages, arguing that employers are under a statutory obligation to ensure timely payment. She stressed that failure to pay wages when due constitutes a serious breach of service conditions and may violate statutory wage protection rules.
Beyond seeking an explanation, the Staff Association has formally requested a written commitment from management confirming a specific date for the full settlement of all outstanding wages and assurances that such delays will not recur.
While awaiting a response, the association has taken what it describes as a lawful and measured step. Effective Monday, March 3, staff have been instructed to cease providing unpaid overtime services. Employees are now required to end operations strictly at 4 p.m. and return home.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this measure is not a strike but a lawful withdrawal of discretionary overtime and a strict adherence to regulated working hours under the Service Rules,” Jatta clarified. She argued that staff cannot reasonably be expected to extend services beyond normal hours while their contractual remuneration remains unpaid.
The association also addressed concerns about reported pressure on employees to transfer their salary accounts to specific banks, including Zenith Bank.
Jatta maintained that banking arrangements are a personal choice and warned that any attempt to coerce staff could amount to unfair labor practice and victimization under the Labor Act.
As of press time, the Turkish management had not publicly responded to the Staff Association’s demands, leaving uncertainty over when February salaries will be settled and whether further action may follow if the impasse persists.
