On March 13, 2025, the Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security (MELSS), expressed disappointment over a statement issued by the management of Koidu Limited, calling it a unilateral move that threatens ongoing negotiations to resolve the industrial dispute between the company and its workforce.
In a statement released, MELSS emphasized that it had been actively working to prevent a full-blown industrial action and had presented a roadmap for resolving the standoff. This led to the commencement of online negotiations with Koidu Limited’s Board of Directors on March 6, 2025.
“At the start of the negotiations, both parties expressed optimism and commitment to reaching an amicable settlement,” the ministry stated. “However, while progress was being made, Koidu Limited’s leadership undermined the process through veiled threats and scare tactics.”
The ministry also pushed back against Koidu Limited’s repeated characterization of the strike as illegal. It accused the company of interfering with the workers’ trade union rights, referencing Part III, Section 12 of the Employment Act 2023. According to MELSS, the company had allegedly co-opted the workers’ union leadership, leading to a lack of representation for employees’ grievances.
“This emboldened Koidu Limited’s management to clamp down on workers’ rights, leaving them with no choice but to withdraw from the union. Even then, the company attempted to frustrate their efforts until recent events forced them to recognize the workers’ decision,” the statement read.
Despite these concerns, the ministry reiterated its commitment to resolving the crisis through continued negotiations, and urged Koidu Limited to allow the process to succeed.
“The statement issued by Koidu Limited’s management not only undermines the negotiation process, but also threatens to derail the progress made so far,” MELSS warned. “We strongly encourage the company’s leadership to remain engaged and work towards an amicable settlement for a swift return to normal operations.”
The ministry further reassured Koidu Limited’s management of the government’s support in ensuring the safety and security of all company personnel and operations.
As negotiations continue, all eyes are on whether both parties can find common ground to restore industrial peace at Koidu Limited.