By Kadiatu A. Turay
On May 1, 2025, President Julius Maada Bio reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring dignity, security, and opportunity for every worker in Sierra Leone during a vibrant International Workers’ Day celebration at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown. In a keynote address, the President outlined these principles as the foundation of his government’s labor policies, emphasizing the critical role of workers in national development.
Today, we honor the men and women who teach our children, build our infrastructure, heal our sick, protect our homes, and drive our economy, President Bio declared, we are committed to a future where every worker is treated with dignity, enjoys job security, and has equal opportunities to thrive.
Acknowledging global challenges such as digital transformation, automation, and the growing informal economy, the President stressed the need for proactive and inclusive policies, we understand the evolving trends in the world of work, he said, it is our duty to prepare our workforce for the digital economy while ensuring no one is left behind.”
Dr. Vanessa Phala-Moyo, Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, praised Sierra Leone’s commitment to tripartite dialogue and the decent work agenda. The future of work must be shaped by governments, employers, and workers together, she said, the ILO stands ready to support Sierra Leone in developing inclusive and sustainable labor policies.
Dr. Phala-Moyo urged the government to ratify key international labor conventions and prioritize vulnerable groups, particularly women and youth, to reduce workplace inequalities.
Mohamed Bangura, President of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, expressed cautious optimism but urged the government to translate promises into action, we welcome His Excellency’s speech, but workers need more than words, Bangura stated. Timely salaries, improved workplace safety, fair contracts, and job protection are urgent priorities. Let this May Day mark a turning point.
Reflecting the event’s theme, Shaping the Future of Work, Bangura emphasized the need for legislation that balances the interests of employers and employees, without this balance, we risk deepening inequalities, he warned.
Kobi Walker, President of the Sierra Leone Labour Employers Federation, called for collaboration among employers, workers, and the government. Productivity rises when workers are respected and fairly compensated,” he said. Employers must uphold ethical workplace practices and invest in innovation and skills training.
Walker advocated for increased investment in digital skills, vocational training, and green jobs to prepare workers for emerging economic opportunities.
Fatmata Koroma, executive director of the Centre for Social Justice and Accountability, welcomed the President’s remarks but pointed to weak enforcement of labor laws, we have progressive labor laws, but implementation is a challenge, she said, many workers, especially women in the informal sector, are unaware of their rights. Labor inspectors need more support.
Dr. Patrick Samura, a labor economist at Fourah Bay College, underscored the broader dimensions of dignified work, it’s not just about salaries it’s about purpose, recognition, and long-term security, he said. Strong labor institutions and accurate market data are essential for informed policies.
President Bio concluded by reaffirming his government’s dedication to inclusive economic growth and job creation through strategic reforms, we must build a nation where a young graduate finds meaningful employment, a market woman operates in safety, a nurse feels valued, and a teacher is respected, he declared. This is not a favor to workers it is our national responsibility.
He highlighted the newly launched National Employment Policy and the forthcoming Labour Law Reform Bill as pivotal tools to drive transformative change in the labor sector.
The event concluded with a sense of hope tempered by urgency, a young nurse from Kenema, who traveled to Freetown for the celebration, captured the mood, a nation that values its workers is on the path to prosperity. We are watching, and we are hopeful.
As Sierra Leone navigates the complexities of a changing labor landscape, President Bio’s pledges, coupled with calls for action from labor leaders, employers, and civil society, signal a collective resolve to shape a future of work that is equitable, dignified, and opportunity-driven.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 5th, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
