Labour Day celebrations in Bamenda this year were marked by a mix of festive parades and repeated calls for change, as workers from both the formal and informal sectors gathered at Commercial Avenue to mark the 139th edition of International Labour Day.
Not All Fanfare
While the atmosphere carried the traditional pomp of colourful march-pasts, uniforms, and music, the underlying message from workers was anything but celebratory. They used the occasion to spotlight a series of mounting challenges, including dilapidated roads, skyrocketing fuel prices, worsening insecurity, and unreliable electricity supply, all of which they say continue to erode their productivity and quality of life.
“We are not just here to march. We are here to be heard; our roads are bad, and fuel prices are skyrocketing, costing us more than we work,” said Mr Ndi, the President of the Association of Bike Riders in Mezam.
Labour unions present at the event also raised concerns about the lack of government engagement with workers’ concerns, especially in the informal sector, which constitutes a significant portion of the workforce in Bamenda.
“Transporters union say they face the very poor road network in Bamenda and too many police control points extorting them, those whose work depends on electricity say the epileptic supply greatly affects their work,” said Tatisong Nzounkekang Eric. The North West Regional President of the Confederation of Trade Unions Station added that “the state needs to make these amenities available to the population”
Higher Turnout
This year’s celebration overcame challenges and achieved a higher turnout than previous editions, demonstrating a renewed sense of worker solidarity and collective advocacy, which the event chair praised in Bamenda.
“We have all observed the unity among the workers’ trade unions, indicating their commitment to assisting the state in ensuring a decent work environment. We have taken note of the grievances they raised. Some will be handled at local levels while others will be handled at the central level,” said Adolf Lele, the North West Governor.
As the celebrations wrapped up, what remained was a clear and urgent message: Labour Day in Bamenda is no longer just a day of celebration but a platform for continued advocacy for a better work environment.
