By Biran Gaye
Tension is mounting at the Banjul ports after a group of staff members transferred to Alport Banjul under a government concession issued a 28-day strike ultimatum, citing “repeated breaches” of their transfer agreements and deteriorating working conditions.
Staff representatives delivered their petition to Port authorities on Tuesday, April 21, expressing dissatisfaction with their working conditions and the failure to implement their transfer agreements.
Adama Jatta, President of the Gambia Ports Staff Association, led the protesters in delivering their petition.
“We respectfully state that our transfer was affected on the clear understanding that all transfer staff shall maintain the same terms and conditions of service at the executive board of GPA,” the petition reads.
The staff further allege that assurances given at the time of the transfer—including the appointment of Gambian nationals to key human resource positions with real decision-making powers—have not materialised in practice.
Privatisation and Promises
The dispute traces back to the government’s decision to grant a concession of the Banjul port’s operations to Alport, a move promoted as a path to modernisation and efficiency.
As part of the deal, several GPA staff were transferred into Alport’s employ, with authorities promising to preserve their pay, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.
However, according to the petitioners, these promises have not been kept. They cite irregular and delayed salary payments, the stoppage of pay for sick employees without due process, and the imposition of a freeze on loans and other benefits.
The staff also complain about the lack of a clear succession plan for Gambian employees and the absence of a comprehensive service policy matching previous terms.
“Since the commencement of salary administration by Alport, these conditions have not been consistently implemented or enforced,” the petition asserts.
Demands for Immediate Action
The staff demand a return to the original terms or, failing that, the re-transfer of all HR responsibilities, including salary administration, back to the GBA. They insist that only operational instructions should come from Alport until matters are resolved.
Their list of grievances also includes the need for full implementation of the SOE (State-Owned Enterprise) salary structure, as previously promised by management, and the right for staff on local studies to continue their education without threats of salary deductions. The petitioners also state they have voluntarily forfeited overtime payments and will work strictly the statutory 48 hours mandated under the Labour Act 2023.
“We remain committed to our duties; however, we firmly insist that all terms and conditions of our transfer must be respected and enforced without further delay,” Jatta said on behalf of her colleagues.
Alport Banjul’s management did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, sources familiar with the company’s position argue that integration challenges are not uncommon in large-scale privatisations and insist that efforts are ongoing to resolve outstanding issues.
Observers warn that a prolonged industrial action at the port could have significant economic repercussions for The Gambia, a country heavily dependent on maritime trade.
“The port is a national lifeline. Any disruption would impact imports, exports, and revenue,” said a maritime analyst who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the situation.
The staff have given a 28-day deadline for full compliance, warning that failure to meet their demands will trigger a sit-down strike. They have rejected further written assurances, insisting on the immediate implementation of their conditions.
