By Thaimu T. Kamara
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and the Reporters Union of Sierra Leone (RUSL), has engaged the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, on concerns surrounding journalists’ welfare and the enforcement of labour laws within Sierra Leone’s media sector.
The meeting, held in Freetown, forms part of ongoing efforts to improve working conditions for journalists, strengthen compliance with labour regulations and promote constructive social dialogue among media practitioners, employers and government institutions.
Speaking during the engagement, SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara expressed appreciation to the Minister and his team for granting the delegation an audience, reaffirming the association’s commitment to advancing journalists’ welfare.
Kamara noted that SLAJ had earlier informed the Minister about the visit of its international partners, who are in Sierra Leone to support initiatives aimed at promoting press freedom and improving the welfare of media professionals.
“Today, they are here to hear directly from you and your team. Prior to this meeting, we engaged the Sierra Leone Labour Congress and the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, and we are pleased to obtain the Government’s perspective on these important issues,” he said.
IFJ Expert Adviser Jeremy Dear highlighted serious concerns regarding the working conditions of journalists in Sierra Leone, stressing the urgent need for stronger enforcement of existing labour laws.
According to him, recent findings indicate that only 42 percent of journalists receive the national minimum wage, while 47 percent are not registered with the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT).
He further revealed that nearly 90 media houses listed by the Independent Media Commission (IMC) are either failing to remit NASSIT contributions or are not complying with minimum wage requirements.
In addition, about 26 percent of journalists do not receive regular monthly salaries, while many others operate without formal contracts or clearly defined working hours.
“Despite Sierra Leone having strong labour laws, enforcement remains a major challenge. We are interested in working with stakeholders, including Government, to improve compliance,” Dear said.
He explained that the IFJ, together with SLAJ and RUSL, is prioritising two key areas: enforcement of labour laws and the promotion of social dialogue within the media sector.
Dear also emphasised the need to strengthen collective bargaining mechanisms and establish a sector-specific bargaining framework to enable journalists to negotiate better working conditions and protections. However, he identified the absence of media employer’s association as major obstacle to implementing International Labour Organization (ILO) standards.
Responding to the concerns, Minister Swaray described journalists’ welfare as a matter close to his heart, recalling his previous role as Minister of Information and Communications.
“The concerns you have raised resonate deeply with me,” he said, noting that his tenure from 2018 to 2023 saw strong collaboration with the media, resulting in key reforms.
He cited the repeal of the criminal libel provisions in the Public Order Act of 1965, the establishment of the National Fund for Public Interest Media and amendments to the IMC Act introducing provisions on journalists’ remuneration and social security.
The Minister explained that his advocacy for improved welfare conditions was influenced by the difficult circumstances faced by many retired journalists who, after years of service, struggle economically.
“I felt the best way to protect journalists from poverty, particularly in old age, was to ensure they are covered by the social security system. That conviction continues to guide my approach today,” he said.
Hon. Swaray disclosed that upon assuming office at the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, journalists were among the first professional groups he engaged on issues of salaries and social security registration.
He reiterated his call on media owners and employers to pay salaries regularly and ensure their employees are enrolled in the NASSIT scheme.
“Social security is one of the most effective ways of safeguarding journalists against poverty and uncertainty in later life,” he stressed.
The Minister also highlighted Sierra Leone’s growing international recognition for promoting social dialogue and strengthening tripartite engagement among government, employers and workers.
While acknowledging the challenges facing journalists, he urged media institutions to take greater responsibility for improving welfare conditions.
“We must have an honest conversation if we are to make progress. The media itself must become more serious about addressing issues of welfare,” he said.
He observed that Sierra Leone’s relatively small media market is saturated with numerous outlets competing for limited resources, a situation that contributes to unhealthy competition, reduced advertising revenue and financial pressures that negatively affect workers’ welfare.
Hon. Swaray concluded by encouraging greater cooperation and consolidation within the media sector to build stronger and more sustainable institutions capable of meeting their obligations to journalists.
The engagement ended with a shared commitment among the IFJ, SLAJ, RUSL and the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security to continue dialogue and pursue practical measures aimed at improving labour standards, social protection and professional welfare for journalists across Sierra Leone.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wenesday, 24th June 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
