At Labour Day celebration: Interim mines minister reiterates commitment to improve staff working condition.

The day was commemorated under the theme: “Constructive social dialogue: Vector of decent work and social progress”.

The event saw top ranking officials of the ministry and its general staff to feast and commune together. 

The member of government began by congratulating the general staff of MINMIDT for their efforts being made to ensure that the missions assigned to the ministry by the Head of State, President Paul Biya are achieved.

Having listened to the challenges facing staff, read by the staff representative, Prof Fuh Calistus acknowledged their grievances but reassured them of his strong resolve to improve their working conditions by addressing their concerns raised. 

“As you know, I have made a number of commitments to improve the decent working environment for MINMIDT staff, and thanks to our joint efforts, we can already see some visible results,” he said.

Highlighting efforts made to improve their working environment, Prof Fuh Calistus cited the provision of pick-up vehicles to all regional delegations, regular quarterly payment of quotas, capacity-building for staff, and the production of a new fabric for MINMIDT staff amongst other great initiatives taken. 

He maintained that efforts are being made to make available other pick-up vehicles, progressively, to certain divisional delegations whose production yields are likely to significantly increase MINMIDT's contribution to the state’s public finances. 

“I reiterate my commitment to creating a friendly working environment, as this is the foundation for achieving all our results. The involvement of all staff in the processing of files must be effective, and I am firmly committed to this,” the minister added. 

Labour medals to staff

The minister equally expressed gratitude to the staff for the visible services rendered with intelligence and dedication over the years. 

As his encouragement to them, the minister said he has channelled their respective applications for labour medals to the appropriate quarters and the procedure for awarding the decorations to be finalised in the days ahead.  

Working to consolidate social dialogue, decent work

In keeping with the theme of this year’s Labour Day, the minister said the presence of under-age children on mining sites has been prohibited, with firm instructions for the respect of environmental restoration during operations.

Landmark upcoming event

The Interim MINMIDT boss then emphasised that Cameroon will be making history in the next three weeks by hosting two major events, thanks to the blossoming transformation of its mining sector.

The dual event; Cameroon International Mining and Exhibition Convention, CIMEC 2024, and the meeting of OEACP mining ministers will hold in Yaounde from May 22 to 24.

He then urged all the senior officials, managers and staff of MINMIDT to remain mobilized to prepare and organize the landmark events.

“This unprecedented opportunity for Cameroon will position our country during this period as a center for financial negotiations in the mining industry, bringing together almost all the players in the sector from around the world,” he asserted.

Revisiting challenges facing staff

On his part, the newly elected Staff Delegate of MINMIDT, Nane Nane Pierre, saluted the new dynamism at the Mines ministry since the taking over of Prof Fuh Calistus, on interim basis, last year. 

He evoked difficulties such as insufficient office space, the dispersed nature and remoteness of structures and services which reduce their efficiency and effectiveness, inadequate office and IT equipment as well as ageing of office chairs and computers.

He also called for greater and more equitable staff capacity-building, effective implementation of an occupational health and safety committee, and the equitable distribution of working facilities,