AYV News, August 30, 2023
The Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC) has paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray.
The SLLC National Executive met with the minister and his team at the ministry’s conference room.
The Labour congress is one of the ministry’s key social partners as the ministry operates in a tripartite approach; that is, the Ministry, the Sierra Leone Employers’ Federation and the Sierra Leone Labour Congress.
Secretary- General of the SLLC, Max Conteh, while congratulating the minister on his re-assignment, noted that they are convinced that the minister is the best replacement for former minister, Alpha Osman Timbo.
Mr. Conteh presented workers-related issues which ranged from Salary disparities, conditions of service for most workers, NASSIT Laws, and non-compliance with the government’s minimum wage for workers.
He urged the minister to urgently spearhead an urgent popularization of the reviewed labour laws so as to hammer them home to every employer and employee.
He noted that the Employment, Labour and Social Security Ministry is amongst the most important ministries in any state, adding that the country is faced with issues of low productivity because successive governments have failed to lay premium on the ministry responsible for them.
The Minister, in his response, re-affirmed the President Bio-led Government’s commitment to dialogue and tripartism.
“I am lucky because I have an immediate predecessor to reach out to at any time and point. Like the President, I am very ready and committed to working with you to achieve decent work for all Sierra Leoneans.” Mr. Swaray committed.
He said that he would work hand-in-glove with the partners to ensure that they resolve pending labour-related issues.
In the area of non-compliance with the payment of minimum wage by employers, the minister said that he would not hesitate to go after any employer who fails to comply with the Government Gazette.
“Payment of minimum wage is compulsory for all employers. It is not much, but it is essential because the workers earned it,” he emphasised.
