Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – In a comprehensive petition submitted to the management of Gamcel, the Concerned Gamcel Staff have voiced their dissatisfaction with the company’s handling of employee affairs over the past two years. The petition highlights a series of grievances, including salary delays, inadequate welfare provisions, and operational inefficiencies, which staff say have adversely affected their morale and service delivery.
The staff attribute the root of the company’s challenges to an ineffective and monopolized billing system introduced seven years ago. According to them, this system has hampered revenue generation and service delivery, creating a ripple effect on employee welfare and customer satisfaction.
Delays in Salary Payments
One of the pressing concerns raised in the petition is the consistent delay in salary payments. Staff noted that since September 2022, salaries have often been disbursed late, with April 2024 salaries, for example, not paid until May 23, 2024. The petition demands the immediate payment of all outstanding salaries owed up to December 2024 within a week.
Credit Union Deductions
The petition also calls for transparency and accountability regarding Credit Union deductions. Employees claim that deductions have been made for over two years without access to their funds. They have requested a reconciliation of payments and a clear timeline for accessing their funds within three weeks.
Lack of Medical Insurance
Gamcel staff revealed that their medical insurance has been inactive for nearly three years. They are asking for a written explanation and an immediate resumption of medical coverage within three weeks.
Concerns Over Social Security Contributions
The petition highlights difficulties in accessing information on their Social Security contributions through the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC). Staff are requesting clarity on the matter and access to their contribution records within two weeks.
Delays in Tax Payments
Although personal income taxes are being deducted from staff salaries, delays in processing these payments have reportedly affected their access to essential services. The petition calls for an explanation and the resolution of these outstanding payments within three weeks.
Sanitary and Operational Challenges
The staff also raised concerns about poor sanitary facilities at cell sites, with some locations lacking basic amenities. They are urging management to prioritize the provision of clean and functional facilities within one month for existing issues and within three months for new installations.
Additionally, the staff pointed to insufficient cash reserves, inadequate equipment maintenance, and limited mobility for technical staff as factors hampering operational efficiency. They requested increased investment in these areas to improve overall service delivery.
Call for Constructive Dialogue
The petition concludes with a call for improved communication channels between staff and management to ensure timely updates for employees and customers. It also asserts the staff’s right to raise concerns without fear of retaliation, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to address the issues and foster a positive work environment.
The petition, which underscores the impact of the current challenges on employee motivation and service quality, has been copied to the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Department of Labour, Office of the Ombudsman, National Human Rights Commission, Gambia National Assembly, Office of the President, and the Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (TANGO).
The staff expressed hope that Gamcel management will adhere to the proposed timelines and engage in constructive dialogue to address their grievances and enhance the company’s overall performance.
