By: Kemo Kanyi
The General Transport Union (GTU) of The Gambia has submitted a resolution to government, raising poor working conditions and other challenges facing its members.
The ‘2025 Workers’ Resolution’ was submitted to Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment and the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure.
According to the resolution, GTU drivers continue to face unfair working conditions, leaving them to be economically unguarded and socially insecure among other huddles facing the road transport sector.
It also identifies legal, structural, and operational challenges confronting the transport sector and proposes immediate reforms grounded in the principles of decent work and road safety.
The GTU guided itself with the Labour Act (2023), the Motor Traffic Act (1948), the National Transport Policy (2018–2027), the National Road Safety Strategy (2020–2030), and ECOWAS Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocols.
“Many drivers still operate without formal contracts, excluding them from social protections and leaving them economically vulnerable. The misapplication of driver’s license renewal laws contradicts Section 27(3) of the Motor Traffic Act and places an unfair burden on drivers,” the union said in a letter shared with The Voice.
The union raised concern on the “soaring fuel and maintenance costs,” combined with stagnant tariffs, which it added, continued to “erode” incomes. It pointed out that cross-border discrimination, “especially in Senegal,” undermined regional trade agreements.
GTU outlines that there is a nationwide shortage of regulated commercial garages, especially in urban centres, creating disorder and inefficiencies, adding that the proliferation of unofficial police checkpoints causes unnecessary delays and opens the door to corruption.
“There is a critical need to fast-track new legislative reforms and formalize the transport sector to attract investment and foster growth. Deteriorating road conditions increases accident risks and imposes higher costs on operators,” GTU added.
It argued that some enforcement practice, such as instant fines and impoundments of vehicles without due process, violates Section 85 (A) of the Motor Traffic Act.
“We therefore call on the government of The Gambia, international development partners, civil society organizations, and all stakeholders to take urgent and concrete steps to address the challenges outlined,” the union said.
GTU recommends that a dignified, safe, and well-regulated road transport sector is not only possible, but it is essential, encouraging building a system that guarantees decent work, legal recognition, and social protection for all transport workers.
