Displeased staff members of GSM operator Gamcel have petitioned their office management in protest over unpaid December salaries and continued delay of salary payment.

In a petition letter seen by Gambiana, the petitioners argued that this issue has persisted for over two years, with roots tracking back “some seven years ago since the billing system has been ineffective and monopolised, causing significant problems to service delivery and revenue generation, ultimately affecting staff and customer service.”

They further argued in the letter that since September 2022, there have been multiple delays in the payment of staff salaries, resulting in hardship endured by staff members.

In response to these problems, the petitioners demand the management to act swiftly in addressing their concerns. 

“Salaries due for the end of December 2024 have still not been paid. We demand that this be paid immediately and within a week at the latest. Staff are being deducted Credit Union Payments but have not been able to access them for over two years now. We demand that these payments be reconciled and information provided on how to access them when needed within the next three weeks.

“Staff medical insurance has been stopped for almost three years without any explanation. We demand a written explanation and its immediate resumption within three weeks. Staff Social Security information has not been accessible to staff who have lodged enquiries to the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC). We demand an explanation of why we can’t access this information and call for immediate access to this information either from SSHFC or Gamcel within two weeks,” the petition letter stated.

“Staff personal income taxes are being deducted but appear not to be paid, which is affecting staff from accessing other services such as clearance for vehicles, etc. We demand an explanation of where these deductions are being paid and for all outstanding payments to be deposited in the appropriate accounts so that staff can access other services. An explanation of this is required within a week, and all payments are to be regularized within three weeks.

“Across many cell sites, there are no sanitary provisions for staff, and in many other cell sites there are very poor sanitary conditions. Staff are required to spend long working hours within these sites and must be provided access to adequate and clean sanitary conditions.

“We demand that this be addressed within the next month for sites with poor sanitary conditions and within the next three months for sites without any sanitary provisions. Poor communication on the closure of outlets has caused challenges for staff and customers. We demand improved communication on such closures from now on.”

“Insufficient and unpaid cash power at cell sites, poor maintenance leading to worn-out parts, lack of investment, and lack of mobility have affected the smooth delivery of services. We demand the provision of sufficient investment in required parts and the provision of sufficient mobility for maintenance staff to be able to carry out their duties,” It added.

By Adama Makasuba