Douala: Blue-collar workers snub Labor Day to raise money for family upkeep

Considered a special day reserved for workers, to brandish their plights and demand solutions, and not just dive into celebrations, some Cameroonians prefer to ignore and move on with their usual business activities.

Many struggling workers with difficult jobs in the economic capital, Douala do not see how celebration will put food on their table. “It is Labor Day, so we are out to work and generate income for ourselves. Carolle, a hairdresser said.

“If I decide to go and match or celebrate, how will I settle my bills and pay my house rent? I have four children who need to eat. So, I must work to have money. Things are very expressive, making life very difficult “. Elvis Nintcheu, a Mechanic revealed.

Those who celebrate yearly according to this set of workers like mechanics, goods distributors, and hairdressers whose jobs are regarded as inferior by many, do not bear the same challenges as them.

“Our five fingers are not equal. So, our problems are not of the same magnitude. My family first before pleasure.” A distributor of sachet water stressed.

For such a class of workers to take part in labor day celebration of any form, the standard of living must be improved upon by state authorities and support or consideration from municipal authorities.