The Gambia Transport Union head, Omar Ceesay, wants the government to step up. He asks them to push car owners to give drivers written job letters as the 2023 Labor Law requires. Ceesay shared these thoughts during his Independence Day message. He believes these letters would make driving jobs more stable and protect workers under the law.
These papers would turn driving from casual work into real employment with rights and fair treatment. Drivers could then sign up for social security programs and get pension money later. They would also have health care plans and better safety at work, Ceesay explained. All these benefits already exist in the Labor Act but need to be applied to drivers.
Ceesay also pushed for better travel between West African countries. He wants the rules about free movement between ECOWAS nations to work fully. This would let Gambian commercial vehicles drive anywhere across West Africa without problems or extra fees. Making travel easier would help both drivers and the transport business grow.
The union leader also asked for public garages throughout the country. These spaces would create more order in how public transport runs, make buses and taxis easier to find, and help the whole system work better. At the end of his message, Ceesay urged the government to take a fresh look at traffic laws right away. He thinks the Motor Traffic Act needs major updates to address current issues.
These papers would turn driving from casual work into real employment with rights and fair treatment. Drivers could then sign up for social security programs and get pension money later. They would also have health care plans and better safety at work, Ceesay explained. All these benefits already exist in the Labor Act but need to be applied to drivers.
Ceesay also pushed for better travel between West African countries. He wants the rules about free movement between ECOWAS nations to work fully. This would let Gambian commercial vehicles drive anywhere across West Africa without problems or extra fees. Making travel easier would help both drivers and the transport business grow.
The union leader also asked for public garages throughout the country. These spaces would create more order in how public transport runs, make buses and taxis easier to find, and help the whole system work better. At the end of his message, Ceesay urged the government to take a fresh look at traffic laws right away. He thinks the Motor Traffic Act needs major updates to address current issues.
