Gambia university staff threaten strike over welfare
The University of The Gambia Faculty and Staff Association notified the Department of Labour of possible industrial action.
The University of The Gambia Faculty and Staff Association (UTGFSA) has formally notified the Department of Labour of its intention to embark on industrial action. The planned action, to be taken pursuant to Section 175(1)(a) of the Labour Act, 2023, follows outstanding demands concerning staff welfare and university governance. The Association said it had given authorities time to act on resolutions adopted on 16 July 2026 but received no substantive response.
In a letter dated 28 October 2026 to the Commissioner of Labour, the UTGFSA stated that the continued absence of engagement is disappointing. The Association argued that the unresolved matters affect staff welfare, rights, and working conditions, as well as the university's governance and institutional stability. They are particularly concerned about the failure to implement Governing Council decisions.
The UTGFSA listed five major areas requiring urgent attention, citing a persistent failure to uphold established governance procedures and directives. The Association stressed that executive authority must be accompanied by accountability and respect for oversight mechanisms. The university cannot function effectively if regulations are selectively applied or legitimate concerns are met with silence, they stated.
Why it mattersUniversity staff in Gambia are threatening industrial action due to unresolved issues affecting their welfare and the institution's governance.