21 Abattoir Workers Lose Jobs.
The Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency (GLMA) did not renew the contracts of 21 employees at the Central Abattoir in Abuko.
Maddy Kuyateh is the manager of the abattoir. He spoke to reporters on Wednesday. Mr. Kuyateh said the abattoir had no money when he started, but he and his team worked hard, and things got much better.
The Ministry gave Mr. Kuyateh a one-year contract in early 2024. But on December 30th, he got a letter saying his contract was over. On January 8th, the chairman of the board sent another letter. It told the workers they had two months to leave.
Mr. Kuyateh is upset. He said the board ended their contracts without any discussion. The Ministry had hired them, not the board.
The government wanted to find an investor for the abattoir, so the Ministry only gave two-year contracts. Some investors have come, but no deals have been made.
Abdou Colley has worked at the abattoir for 16 years. He collects the money that comes in. Mr. Colley said the workers might sue over this.
Since the government changed in 2016, the abattoir workers have had a tough time. Some say they were hired by the old president, but Mr. Colley said they are all Gambians.
The employees work long hours with no extra pay for travel. Mr. Colley asked how the government could let 21 people go in this economy.
The Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency (GLMA) did not renew the contracts of 21 employees at the Central Abattoir in Abuko.
Maddy Kuyateh is the manager of the abattoir. He spoke to reporters on Wednesday. Mr. Kuyateh said the abattoir had no money when he started, but he and his team worked hard, and things got much better.
The Ministry gave Mr. Kuyateh a one-year contract in early 2024. But on December 30th, he got a letter saying his contract was over. On January 8th, the chairman of the board sent another letter. It told the workers they had two months to leave.
Mr. Kuyateh is upset. He said the board ended their contracts without any discussion. The Ministry had hired them, not the board.
The government wanted to find an investor for the abattoir, so the Ministry only gave two-year contracts. Some investors have come, but no deals have been made.
Abdou Colley has worked at the abattoir for 16 years. He collects the money that comes in. Mr. Colley said the workers might sue over this.
Since the government changed in 2016, the abattoir workers have had a tough time. Some say they were hired by the old president, but Mr. Colley said they are all Gambians.
The employees work long hours with no extra pay for travel. Mr. Colley asked how the government could let 21 people go in this economy.
