By Alhaji Turay
The Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security (MELSS), responsible for formulating and implementing policies on labour, employment, social protection, and industrial relations, has officially recognized the Sierra Leone Store Labour Union (SLSLU) by issuing it a certificate of legitimacy.
In June 2023, an election supervised by MELSS was conducted to establish a leadership body to advocate for labourers facing challenges with their employers nationwide. The election was necessitated by numerous complaints from workers regarding maltreatment, poor wages, inadequate workplace safety, and health facilities.
On June 3, 2023, two contestants vied for the position of chairperson. Alhaji Alusine Komeh secured 148 votes, narrowly defeating his opponent, Alfred Marshall, who garnered 139 votes. The election was open to all registered union members.
On November 26, 2024, Mr. Abdulai Conteh, Acting Registrar of Trade Unions at MELSS, presented the SLSLU with its official registration certificate. This milestone signifies formal recognition of the union as a legitimate representative body for store labourers, empowering it to mediate between workers and employers on critical issues, such as workplace safety, fair wages, and workers’ rights.
Certification Ceremony
At the certification ceremony, Mr. Conteh emphasized that the union’s formal recognition marked progress in addressing longstanding labour issues. He explained that the registration would enable the union to act as a bridge between labourers, headmen, and store owners.
Max Conteh, Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC), commended the efforts of Alfred Marshall, the former union leader, for facilitating peaceful elections that laid the groundwork for the union’s success. He highlighted that the union’s formation aligns with international labour standards, including the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Decent Work principles.
Deputy Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, Lansana Mohamed Dumbuya, praised the new leadership, urging them to prioritize peace, unity, and the welfare of their members. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, but encouraged collaboration to find solutions that benefit workers and the nation.
Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray congratulated the union on its achievement, reaffirming President Bio’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s informal sector, which employs the majority of the workforce. He also announced upcoming initiatives, including a social security system for informal workers, and underscored the importance of educating stakeholders about the newly enacted Industrial Relations and Trade Union Act.
New Leadership’s Commitment
The newly elected President, Alhaji Alusine Komeh, along with Vice President, Alhaji Alhassan Komeh, and Secretary General, Abdul Kamara, expressed gratitude to the Ministry for entrusting them with the mandate to serve store labourers. They pledged to uphold the Labour Laws, work collaboratively, and prioritize the welfare of their members.
The certification of the SLSLU marks a significant step forward for one of Sierra Leone’s most underserved workforce sectors. It represents hope for improved conditions, fair treatment, and continued collaboration between the union, MELSS, and the SLLC to safeguard workers’ rights and welfare.