132nd International Labour Day:

Y’de Workers Condemn Corruption in High Places

-Demand salary increase, improvement in working conditions

By Tanyi Kenneth Musa in Yaounde

Workers condemn thieving gov’t officials, demand salary increase

Workers in the nation’s capital Yaounde have condemned senior state officials who illicitly enrich themselves at the expense of the Cameroonian taxpayers. Representatives of workers’ trade unions Tuesday 1 October, made the scathing remark during celebrations to commemorate the 132nd International Labour Day, at the May 20 Boulevard in Yaounde.

            The Commemorative activities in Yaounde were presided over by the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Gregoire Owona, sitting alongside other government ministers.

            The commemorative activities were characterized by speeches from leaders of workers’ trade unions and a colourful match past by workers.

            Workers’ representatives used the occasion to lambast some government officials for failing to implement the head of state’s directives for the improvement of conditions of work in the country.

            They called for an urgent increase in the basic salaries and wages of workers.

            Responding to the demands by the workers’ representatives, the Minister of Labour said government has made significant progress in the implementation of social dialogue and the head of state’s social project focused on major accomplishments.

            Minister Owona cited among others the development of a guide for the improvement of the well-being of workers and implementation of the collective agreement that was made in view of raising salaries, improve social security coverage as well as actions taking by the government to provide decent working conditions in Cameroon.

            The 132nd Labour Day was celebrated under the theme: “Social Dialogue: a factor in the promotion of decent work and growth in Cameroon.

            Other efforts made by the Cameroon government to provide decent working conditions as listed by the Minister include: Regular holding of social dialogue forums, monitoring and evaluation of implementation of resolutions made, organization of information days on mutual aid funds; improvement of social insurance litigations, institution of voluntary insurance for workers of the informal sector, increase in minimum wage, holding of information and training seminars for trade union leaders, recruitment of more labour inspectors to monitor progress made in the sector among others.

            Some marchers at the May 20 Boulevard were clad in glittering green, yellow and red fabrics depicting the flag of the country, which is a symbol of national unity and integration.

            The clement weather characterized by bright sunshine added colour and verve to the beautifully organized celebration in Yaounde.

            The good weather also provided good opportunity for hawkers and petit traders to have a field day. It also enabled celebrants to take pictures to immortalize the day.