By: Isatou Sarr
The Alport Staff Association has disputed claims by the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) and Alport management that staff welfare concerns have been resolved, insisting that key issues remain outstanding despite recent engagements.
In a press release dated June 4th, 2026, GPA management described reports of non-compliance with government directives on staff welfare as “false and unfounded,” stating that measures had been implemented to address employee concerns.
The GPA said a joint Human Resources Committee involving GPA, Alport and the Staff Association was established to handle welfare issues. It also noted that salaries and entitlements for April and May 2026 were paid on time, while loans were disbursed ahead of the Tobaski festivities.
According to the statement, an HR resolution agreement was signed to address staff welfare concerns, including overtime payments and additional benefits for affected workers.
However, in a counter-statement dated June 5, 2026, the Alport Staff Association rejected the claims, arguing that several welfare and administrative issues remained unresolved.
The association, led by President Adama Jatta, said the creation of a committee should not be equated with the full resolution of grievances, stressing that implementation of agreed decisions was the true measure of progress.
It also raised concerns over transparency in human resource administration, alleged unexplained deductions, and discrepancies between pay slips and actual amounts received by staff.
The association further claimed that while May salaries were paid, the process did not fully comply with a presidential directive and said staff had not received official copies of the signed HR agreement.
It also alleged that some commitments were only implemented following industrial action, noting that engagement intensified after a petition submitted on April 21 and subsequent action taken on April 23.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between management and staff over the implementation of welfare agreements within the concession arrangement.