By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Sierra Leone is grappling with an employment crisis that has left countless citizens struggling to make ends meet. Despite repeated promises from the government to tackle the issue, the situation for many workers remains dire, with little to no improvement in sight.
Companies, many of which are owned by foreign investors, continue to violate the country’s labour laws, treating their employees unfairly while reaping profits. It is not a secret that workers are being subjected to long hours, inadequate pay, unsafe working conditions, and a complete disregard for their rights.
At the heart of such an issue are the Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC) and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. While these bodies are supposed to protect workers and ensure fair employment practices, citizens are beginning to lose faith in their ability to make any meaningful change.
The government’s lack of action has led many to believe that nothing will change unless those in power step aside or start holding companies accountable.
The ongoing violations by investors and the failure of leadership are a toxic combination that is deeply affecting the lives of everyday Sierra Leoneans.
The Desperation of Workers
The stories of workers across the country tell a heart-breaking tale. Many people, especially the youth, are struggling to find meaningful employment.
The formal job market is overcrowded, and competition is fierce; but even when people manage to secure jobs, the conditions they face are less than ideal. In interviews with several workers, the frustration is palpable. “I’ve been working at a factory for over two years,” says Amara, a factory worker who asked that his name be changed for fear of reprisal. “I work long hours—sometimes 12 or 14 hours a day—but I only earn just enough to get by. There’s no insurance, no benefits, and we don’t even have proper safety equipment. It’s as if they don’t care about us at all. They only care about making money.”
Amara’s situation is not an isolated one. Across Sierra Leone, workers in both the public and private sectors are being forced to endure poor working conditions and inadequate compensation. There are reports of employees being denied leave, bullied by superiors, and discriminated against because of their gender or ethnicity. The lack of a reliable mechanism to report or address such violations leaves many workers feeling helpless.
The Role of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC)
The Sierra Leone Labour Congress, a union meant to represent workers and protect their rights, has been widely criticized for its inability to effectively advocate for the people it is supposed to serve.
Many citizens feel that the SLLC has become more of a political tool rather than a true labour organization that holds companies accountable and ensures that workers’ rights are upheld.
“I don’t see any real efforts from the SLLC to address these issues. They seem to be more focused on political agendas than on fighting for the rights of workers,” says Mariama, a teacher who has also been affected by poor working conditions. “It’s time for them to step up or step aside. They need to be more independent and start taking action rather than sitting on the side-lines.”
The SLLC’s failure to advocate for workers is part of a broader issue: the government’s inability to tackle the systemic employment issues in Sierra Leone. While the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is tasked with enforcing labor laws, the ministry’s track record is underwhelming at best. Workers are left to fend for themselves while companies continue to flout labour regulations without facing consequences.
Government Inaction and the Call for Change
The inaction of the government, particularly the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, has reached a boiling point. Citizens are voicing their frustration, demanding accountability from those in power. “President Bio and the Minister of Labour must step aside,” says Ibrahim, a community leader. “Nothing is improving. We need leaders who will address the real issues—the poor working conditions, the abuse of workers’ rights, and the growing unemployment crisis.”
The government’s failure to address these concerns has left many people feeling that they have no recourse for justice.
There are growing calls for a more transparent and effective labour system, one that will not only create jobs but ensure that such jobs come with fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions.
The public is also calling for stronger enforcement of labour laws. Many citizens believe that foreign investors, who profit immensely from the country’s resources, must be held accountable for the treatment of their employees. There is a widespread belief that the current government and labour unions are not doing enough to protect the rights of the working class.
To conclude, The Path Forward
The unemployment crisis in Sierra Leone, coupled with the rampant abuse of workers’ rights by companies, cannot be ignored any longer. Citizens are growing increasingly frustrated with the government’s lack of action and the Sierra Leone Labour Congress’ failure to live up to its responsibilities. The call for change is loud and clear: there must be a serious effort to enforce labour laws, hold companies accountable, and create an environment where workers are treated with dignity and respect.
