The Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC) has initiated discussions with Mohamed Rahman Swaray, the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, concerning matters pertaining to work and operational procedures aimed at achieving optimal service delivery.
Representatives from SLLC, including senior members of the national executive team, unveiled their action plan during the meeting. They extended felicitations to the newly appointed minister and extended a warm welcome. The SLLC team assured the minister of their unwavering dedication to their roles and their commitment to fostering positive outcomes.
Operating within a tripartite framework consisting of the Ministry, the Sierra Leone Employers’ Federation, and the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, the Labour congress holds a significant role as a social partner of the ministry.
During the engagement, Max Conteh, the Secretary-General of the SLLC, raised various concerns related to workers, encompassing issues like wage disparities, working conditions, NASSIT regulations, and the prevailing non-adherence to the government’s prescribed minimum wage for workers.
Conteh urgently implored the minister to lead an effective campaign to promote the updated labour laws, ensuring their comprehensive understanding among both employers and employees. He emphasized the pivotal role of the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security within the state, highlighting that the nation's productivity suffers due to historical neglect of this essential ministry.
Responding to the discussions, the minister reaffirmed the President’s unwavering dedication to open dialogues and endeavors that serve the nation's welfare.
He pledged to collaborate closely with the involved parties to effectively address pending labor-related concerns. Addressing the matter of employers failing to adhere to the minimum wage as outlined in the Government Gazette, the minister asserted his commitment to taking stringent actions against any non-compliant employer.