By Theresa Kef Sesay
An emergency meeting was summoned by the Deputy General Manager of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA), Yankuba Bio, on the 5th April 2022 as a result of a protest action staged by FTL workers relating to the payment of their terminal benefits pending the sale of Bollore Transport and Logistics and its smooth transition.
Chaired by himself in his office, those in attendance comprised a cross-section of the Managements of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA) and Freetown Terminal, Dock Workers Union and Representatives from the Ministry of Labor. It was decided that the following issues must be addressed immediately:
That a Committee be formed to look into the situation at hand ( i.e – A critical look into the concerns raised by the workers and device ways to amicably address their concerns, moving forward.
Management of FTL to develop a road-map of the Sale process to ensure a smooth transition.
That the Management of FTL to fully engage the Dock Workers Union on the aforementioned road-map as they are the actual representatives of the workers. The Dock Workers Union should properly sensitize their constituents and members on the transition process.
In terms of outcomes immediately after the meeting, the DGM took the lead and went down to Freetown Terminal with other members present in the meeting to engage the aggrieved staff members.
The Deputy General Manager and members appealed to them to ease up on their grievances and be assured that everything will be done to appease them.
The workers assured him and team that they will resume work.
After that the DGM of SLPA called the Regional Head of Bolloré – Captain Kokan and Bertrand Kerguelen – FTL’s Country Manager – both of whom were out of the country and have both flown in to ensure that a more structured meeting is held to resolve the issues raised by their staff.
On the 6th April, 2022, the Management of SLPA engaged stakeholders of FTL, whilst the Committee proceeded with their own assignment to ensure that all issues are handled smoothly.
