The Gambia Press Union (GPU) on Tuesday called on all journalists’ associations in the country to engage media employers on behalf of their members and to advocate for the signing of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Speaking at the Official Launch of the Welfare and Solidarity Committee of the Sports Journalists’ Association of The Gambia (SJAG), GPU Vice President Sheriff Saidykhan, said: “This initiative is in line with the GPU’s advocacy for improved welfare of media workers in The Gambia.”
He noted that Issues related to the health of media workers are a prominent feature in the GPU’s CBA.
“With today’s launch of the SJAG Welfare and Solidarity Committee, the GPU would like to urge other affiliates to also consider establishing welfare committees that would support advocacy for better working conditions,” Saidykhan said.
“The GPU would therefore like to call on all affiliates and other journalists’ organisations, to endeavour to engage media employers on behalf of their members and to encourage them to sign the CBA.”
The SJAG Welfare and Solidarity Committee is mandated to develop a framework to support SJAG members facing personal hardships, including illness, and also to institutionalize an official SJAG Remembrance Day to annually honor and celebrate the contributions of departed colleagues.
This, in the GPU’s view, is a significant milestone initiative by the SJAG.
“It is a significant show of camaraderie that will go a long way in ensuring lasting solidarity among sports journalists in The Gambia,” Saidykhan said.
The GPU also calls on media owners and managers to take significant measures and commitment in 2026 to improve the welfare of and working conditions for media workers by signing the CBA.
“We strongly believe that investing in the health and safety of media workers is crucial to our realization of improved working conditions and a more conducive media working environment,” Saidykhan said while commending SJAG for the initiative.
Currently, from a list of more than 30 radio stations, 5 TV stations, 6 newspapers, and about 20 online media platforms, only six media houses have signed the CBA, committing to improving the welfare of media workers.
