International Labour Day

Gov’t urged to protect HIV infected workers
 By Sarah Nkongho Ojong in Limbe

Buea Mayor Patrick Ikema saluting DO of Tiko subdivision Che Patrick

at the Manga Williams Avenue Limbe on Labour Day

Workers in Limbe in the Southwest region have urged the government to increase workers salaries and improve the general working and business environment of the country. They said these could be done through the eradication of corruption and embezzlement from the system. Workers trade unions also decried the weakening economy of the country, which they attributed to inadequate policies put in place by the government.
    The workers said they could not understand why the country was so endowed with natural resources yet has the lowest minimum wage (28,200fcfa) in the entire Central African sub-region, with basket countries like Chad, Eq. Guinea paying their workers far better salaries. These and other issues were highlighted by stakeholders during commemorative activities to mark the 128th International Labour Day on 1st May in Limbe.
    Hundreds of workers within Fako division gathered at the Manga Williams Avenue, down beach Limbe to celebrate the day under the theme “Cameroonian Workers: Together lets fight HIV/AIDS”.
    Presided over by Fako SDO Zang III who was accompanied by the Divisional Delegate of labour and security, Yvette Lyonga, the occasion was massively attended by Fako East parliamentarian, Honourable Etombi Gladys, Senator Mbella Moki Charles, Governmnet Delegate to the Limbe City Council, amongst presidents of trade unions within the national territory, bigwigs of SONARA and CDC, religious and traditional authorities. 

    According to the Fako Agricultural Workers Union, FAWU,  Secretary General, Charles Mbide Kude, the theme of this year’s labour day has no place considering the fact that Cameroon has not yet ratify provision 184 of the Labour code which deals with the health and safety of workers in the work place. He added that the  administration has hijacked labour day, a day set aside for workers, now the former invites the latter to join commemorate workers day, describing it as a mini agric show or trade fair.
    The relationship between Cameroonian workers and HIV/ AIDS was not really evident as the trade union presidents argued that the death of workers is not as a result of the virus; rather it is as a result of the hardship, horrible conditions under which the workers work and the government neglect over the country’s economy which is gradually eroding, citing the Limbe deep sea port which has been abandoned.
    As part of the Labour Day celebrations, some deserving and hardworking Cameroonians were identified as laureates who received silver and gold medals among whom was the CEO of Star media group, Chief Foanyi Nkemayang Paul who received 3 medals. When asked his secret, the media mogul said the medals are all coming in to define his hard work, honesty, fearless and courageous nature of working according to the dictates of the journalism career plus his loyalty to his country. He advised young journalists to emulate and work very hard so tomorrow they too can be decorated with numerous medals.
    One of the major resolutions which were highlighted at the end of the celebration was that Cameroon’s economic policy is not well handled as a result of the fact that much emphasis is laid on politics leaving the economy thus most economic aspects are wanting since everything is based on political constitutions leading to the downward drain of the country’s economy.
    Proclaiming government’s efforts to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Cameroon, Zang III called on all employers to sensitize their employees on the importance of knowing their HIV status so that the efforts of the government to combat the pandemic can be facilitated.