Every worker deserves to be treated with dignity – Dr. Christopher Johnson

Dr. Christopher Johnson, the West Africa Country Director of the American Labour Solidarity Center has told workers and employers in Cameroon that there are no good salaries anywhere in the world, but stressed that workers deserve to have good working conditions.

“…Every job is important and every worker deserves dignity. A worker in the field is equally important as the manager in the office. Trade Union on the other hand is a difficult work, but I see it as God’s work. So you must be open to persecution,” he said.

He made this comment on Saturday, November 29, during a courtesy visit to members of the Divisional Syndicate of Agricultural Workers for Fako (DISAWOFA). Members of the Union of Free Trade Unions of Cameroon (USLC) are affiliated to the International Trade Union Confederation and the Organization of African Trade Union Unity.

Chris Johnson made a stop at the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), the Tiko Council and the Limbe I Council. In his submission he said, “We are coming to Cameroon to conduct a training that engages labour management relations, gender equality, organisational development and other issues that are of relevance to the trade union movement in Cameroon.” Given that DISAWOFA has over 2,877 members in the USLC with over 790 of them being women. He added that, he is in Cameroon to strengthen the Trade Union spirit of solidarity.

During a working visit with Vefonge Mbene Gabriel, Vice President of the Union of Free Trade Unions of Cameroon (USLC) and over 88 staff representatives, Chris Johnson stated that with high rates of sexual harassment in the system, a lot has to be done to empower women at the workplace.

“Our worry in the plantations remains the issue of sexual harassment our women face. We’re working hard to address this concern. Our intention is to fight for the rights of workers on a united front. We’re building a foundation for families,” Mbene said.

After listening to Mbene talk of the dangers of being a trade unionist, Chris Johnson, said “Trade unionism is dangerous everywhere, but I see it as God’s work, reason why you must be open to persecution.”

Chris Johnson advised the workers and staff representatives to bear in mind that “there are no good salaries anywhere in the world. All we need is good wages, good working conditions and better living standards.”

Chris Johnson was earlier in the day received by the first deputy mayor of Tiko, Joseph Eloundou and later by Limbe I Mayor, Mbua Rodanny.

The assistant Human Resource Manager of the CDC, Eric Nzegge received the Chris Johnson’s delegation on behalf of CDC General Manager.