By George M.O. Williams
Freetown, March 20, 2025: The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security (MELSS) has announced a landmark agreement with Koidu Limited, aimed at resolving grievances raised by the company’s national workforce. Following extensive discussions, both parties finalized a resolution framework to improve working conditions, reinstate affected employees, and enhance staff benefits.
Resolutions and Key Agreements
The Ministry outlined several pivotal measures agreed upon to address worker concerns:
- Reinstatement of Dismissed Workers: All workers who were suspended, terminated, or dismissed for advocating their rights between August 22, 2024, and now will be reinstated without preconditions. Rescinded dismissal letters will be forwarded to both MELSS and the affected employees, who will receive all outstanding salaries and benefits.
- Salary Increment and Risk Allowances: Effective April 1, 2025, a 30% salary increase will address wage disparities, while workers in high-risk areas will receive risk allowances.
- Improved Employee Benefits: Koidu Limited will introduce a special allowance to motivate staff and enhance housing, meal, and education allowances. A new salary advance scheme will also be implemented for national employees.
- Facilities and Services: The company has agreed to provide bus services for staff at designated pick-up points and establish a medical facility compliant with labor laws. Employees will now have the freedom to choose their preferred banks for salary payments.
- Compliance with the Employment Act: Overtime compensation will adhere to Section 65(1) of the Employment Act, while cost-of-living allowances will be incorporated into employees’ basic salaries. Additionally, Koidu Limited committed to upholding trade union rights under the Employment Act No. 15-2023.
Additional Agreements
Among the broader resolutions, the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) will now supervise diamond export pricing. Furthermore, a quarterly bonus scheme for workers will be introduced starting April 2, 2025, with parameters to be negotiated by MELSS and Koidu Limited.
While Koidu Limited has agreed to reinstate most dismissed workers, the company will not rehire those already terminated but will ensure they receive full end-of-service benefits. Any aggrieved employees retain the right to legal recourse under the Employment Act of 2023.
Path to Industrial Harmony
To promote long-term industrial harmony, MELSS and Koidu Limited will establish the Koidu Workers Forum (KWF), chaired by the Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security. This forum will align company policies with international labor standards to improve employee welfare and stakeholder interests.
Commitment to Stability
Both the Government of Sierra Leone and Koidu Limited reaffirmed their dedication to restoring peace and stability in the workforce, recognizing the mutual benefits of sustainable labor practices.