By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In response to the peaceful protest and subsequent discussions with the leadership of Koidu Limited, the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security (MELSS) and Koidu Limited have on Thursday, March 20, 2025 issued a joint statement regarding the resolution framework and agreement to resolve outstanding issues between both parties.
Following extensive consultations, the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security and Koidu Limited called on Koidu’s national workforce to return to work immediately. The two parties are confident that, upon the workforce’s return, all concerns raised will be addressed within 48 hours.
Both MELSS and Koidu Limited have agreed to implement solutions to the recommendations outlined in MELSS’s letter to Koidu’s General Manager on February 28, 2025. The Key Recommendations were: Reinstatement of all workers suspended, terminated or dismissed from August 22, 2024, onward, with all rescinded letters submitted to MELSS, Payment of all backlog salaries and benefits to affected staff, A 30% increase in existing salaries, effective April 1, 2025, to address historical injustices, Provision of risk allowances for employees working in high-risk areas as per risk assessments, Introduction of bus services for staff to improve transportation to and from work, Establishment of a medical facility in compliance with Labour Laws, Freedom for employees to select their preferred bank for salary payments, Introduction of inducement allowances for employee motivation, Provision of safe drinking water for all staff, Improvements to housing, meal and education allowances, Establishment of a salary advance scheme for all national staff, Payment of overtime where applicable as per Section 65(1) of the Employment Act, Addition of a cost-of-living allowance to basic salaries, Recognition of trade union rights in accordance with Part III, Section 12 of the Employment Act No. 15 – 2023.
The agreement between the two parties includes the introduction of a quarterly bonus scheme based on diamond export pricing, which is monitored by the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL). This bonus system will come into effect on April 2, 2025, with specific parameters to be negotiated between Koidu and MELSS.
Despite ongoing discussions, Koidu Limited has maintained its position not to re-employ dismissed workers. However, recognizing the constructive dialogue and at the specific request of the Government of Sierra Leone, Koidu Limited will provide full end-of-service benefits to dismissed employees. Any employee who remains dissatisfied is encouraged to seek recourse through the avenues provided by the Employment Act of 2023.
Koidu Limited reaffirms its commitment to operating in full compliance with Sierra Leone’s laws, with diamond production and exports being supervised and controlled by Government officials.
In the spirit of fostering long-term industrial peace and stability, MELSS and Koidu Limited will jointly establish the Koidu Workers Forum (KWF), chaired by the Honourable Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security. The KWF will aim to develop initiatives that align with international best practices, benefitting both the national workforce and other stakeholders.
Both MELSS and Koidu Limited, it was stated, are committed to ensuring that the national workforce is supported and valued, as both parties continue to work together to address the interests of all stakeholders.
