Workers in Kupe Muanenguba Division, South West Region, have clamoured for better working conditions, social dialogue and peace as a catalyst to productivity.
Workers from Bangem, Nguti, and Tombel Sub Divisions were speaking in Bangem on May 1, 2024, on the occasion of the celebration of the 138th International Labour Day under the theme, “Constructive Social Dialogue, Vectors of Decent Work and Social Progress.”
According to Epie Manfred from Tombel, the working conditions of workers in rural areas are appalling because of the bad nature of roads, lack of social amenities like potable water and electricity.
He said to succeed as a worker in Kupe Muanenguba is heart breaking especially with the aftermath of the socio-political crisis in the South West and North West Regions.
Epie pleaded with authorities to provide basic amenities to help workers in the division cope with life.
Meanwhile, Ngole Deborah from Bangem advocated for dialogue between workers and their bosses for mutual understanding and peace. She said some bosses are not open to dialogue which stifle productivity and peace in the institution.
The representative of the Divisional Treasurer of Workers Union for Meme and Kupe Muanenguba, Vitini Demian, said the implementation of social dialogue is a reality within the workers union.
Vitini enumerated that decency has to do with poor payment of workers, the non-registration of workers within the framework of National Social Insurance Fund, CNPS, better working conditions, hygiene and security measures at work and above all the implementation of working rules and regulations.
He insisted that these are means to foster cordial relations between the employers and employees, greater output, productivity and efficiency.
The Mayor of Bangem Council, Ekungwe Kang Christopher called on all employers and employees to be responsible by being creative, honest, tolerance, negotiable in issues of common interests to ensure peace and solidarity within establishments.
He said if they engage in strict social dialogue, there will be drastic economic growth and opportunities, social protection, good working conditions and good wages which shall go a long way to eradicate all forms of discriminatory practices within establishments.
SDO’s Remarks
The Senior Divisional Officer of Kupe Muanenguba, Mungambo Ekema William disclosed that they do not only have agricultural workers well organized under the Cameroon Development Corporation, CDC but they equally have the butchers, bike riders, drivers, mechanics, barbers, hair dressers, tailors, petrol dealers, businessmen amongst others.
He said upgrading general working conditions depend on on the quality of working relations existing beyond professional framework and working milieu.
The SDO intimated that this will significantly enable social partners develop life in a local economy of peace, love and understanding, setting the base for the development of effective social dialogue.
He told the Divisional Delegate of Labour and Social Security, Kupe Muanenguba, Emmanuel Anapa Rihs-Mugre to accelerate the process of the execution of this road map for 2024.
By Glovise Forsoh
