In a significant development, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio engaged in a frank and productive discussion with the executive members of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC) on Thursday, October 26, 2023, addressing a range of critical issues impacting consumers, laborers, and citizens in the nation.
Max K. Conteh, the Secretary General of the SLLC, expressed gratitude for the President’s efforts to champion the recognition of workers through legal reforms. He commended the nation’s labor laws, highlighting their effectiveness in safeguarding the rights of workers. Despite the labor union’s reputation for being a vocal advocate, Conteh emphasized their commitment to constructive dialogue with the government, guided by the welfare of both the state and its workforce. He conveyed optimism for a successful partnership with President Bio during his tenure.
During the engagement, the Sierra Leone Labour Congress presented a position statement outlining six key socio-economic factors that are affecting the country’s citizens. These factors include rising petroleum costs, transportation expenses, essential commodity prices, worker salaries and wages, taxation concerns, and electricity tariffs.
President Julius Maada Bio attentively listened to these concerns, acknowledging the labor union’s role in representing the interests of the broader workforce. He expressed appreciation for their commitment while underscoring the substantial efforts his administration had undertaken to mitigate the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing global crisis.
President Bio stated, “The global disruptions we are witnessing have reverberated within nations, affecting Sierra Leone as well. Despite the progress we made in controlling inflation, external shocks, such as the international financial crisis, supply chain disruptions, and the conflict in Ukraine, have posed significant challenges.”
He further explained, “As a fragile nation and economy, our capacity to respond is limited. We have shouldered the burden of substantial electricity costs, amounting to $50 million, and the government cannot indefinitely subsidize fuel costs while also fulfilling critical obligations in education, healthcare, agriculture, and other vital areas.”
Acknowledging the concerns about rising fuel prices and their cascading effects on other commodities, President Bio stressed, “The world is grappling with turmoil, and I share your concern about the impact of fuel costs on daily expenses. However, it is our duty as a government to safeguard the well-being of all workers. As President, I firmly believe in constructive dialogue for the betterment of our nation, the preservation of peace, and the promotion of national unity.”
The President’s engagement with the Sierra Leone Labour Congress underlines the administration’s commitment to open and constructive dialogue as an essential tool for addressing the challenges facing Sierra Leone’s workforce and citizens.
