By Kadiatu Sankoh
On 24th January 2025, Labour Minister, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, took the decisive action to address the welfare concerns of workers at Sierra Diamond Ltd in Tongo, Lower Bambara Chiefdom, Kenema District. This comes in the wake of widespread videos and images circulating on social media, highlighting a strike action by workers of the company. In a swift and proactive response, the Minister, accompanied by a team of senior officials from the Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, visited the company’s mine site to resolve the underlying causes of the unrest.
The Minister’s intervention aligns with the Ministry’s mandate to ensure industrial peace and harmony, while safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers. Upon arrival, Minister Swaray engaged in an entrance meeting with the company’s management to understand the prevailing challenges. Management reported that a difficult business climate, compounded by challenges in the diamond market, had forced the company to temporarily close the mines, sending employees home on administrative leave. This development has left workers in a state of uncertainty and financial strain.
To ensure an inclusive approach to resolving the issues, the Minister convened a town hall meeting with all key stakeholders. The meeting brought together representatives from various groups, including the Town Chief, landowners’ representative, Hon. Francis Amara Konowa, Member of Parliament, Hon. Rugiatu Tarawallie, and a cross-section of employees from different units and departments. During the meeting, workers’ representatives voiced their grievances, detailing a range of pressing concerns. These included eight months of unpaid salaries, accumulated leave allowances, unpaid medical and risk allowances, and outstanding contributions to the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT).
Minister Swaray acknowledged the gravity of these concerns and reassured workers of the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing their legitimate grievances. He emphasized the personal interest of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio in the matter, highlighting the government’s dedication to ensuring the welfare of its citizens. The Minister promised continued engagement with the company’s management to expedite the resolution of the issues. He also commended the workers for their resilience and law-abiding conduct during these challenging times, urging them to maintain peace and patience, as efforts are being made to address their concerns.
In his closing remarks, Minister Swaray reiterated management’s pledge to resolve all outstanding welfare issues, including the payment of backlog salaries, once operations resume at the mining site. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the company, workers, and the government to navigate these difficulties and restore normalcy at the mine. The Minister’s visit underscores the government’s dedication to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring their welfare, even amidst challenging economic circumstances.