The Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, led a team of Senior Labour officials to the Siearra Diamond Company’s Mine Site in Tongo field Kenema district to resolve the cause of the workers’strike action. The Workers had claimed that their concerns ranging from eight (8) months of unpaid salaries, accrued leave allowances, medical allowance, risk allowance, and NASSIT payments, among others have not been met the Company.
Accordingly, the Ministry’s mandates are, among other things, to maintain industrial peace and harmony and to protect the rights of the workers.
During this move, the Minister and team held a meeting with the aggrieved workers and the two patties to the impasse lodged their challenge and grievances. The Minister on his part said he had received a report about the challenging business climate and its impact on the diamond markets, leading to the temporary closure of the mines while employees were sent home on administrative leave.
Later, during a town Hall meeting, Minister Swarray held talks with all stakeholders concerned, including the Town Chief, land owners representative Hon. Francis Amara Konowa, Member of Parliament Hon. Rugiatu Tarawallie,, and a cross-section of employees from various units and departments.
In his response to the grave concerns of the workers, Minister Swaray reassured the workers of government commitment, noting the interest of H.E. President Julius Madda Bio that the government is deeply concerned and will continue to engage management in a bid to address their legitimate concerns speedily.
Minister Swaray further applauded the workers for their resilient and law-abiding posture during these trying times.
He re echoed management’s commitment to address all outstanding staff welfare issues, including backlog salaries, once operations resume at the mining site.
