The management of Sierra Rutile has paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, to congratulate him on his appointment and discuss key labour issues affecting the company’s operations.

During the visit, the company’s CEO, Lima Sufian-Kargbo, reaffirmed Sierra Rutile’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry, particularly on issues relating to local content compliance, redundancy and end-of-service benefits.

He highlighted the challenges of managing employment across the company’s operations in Area One and Area Five, noting the need to balance workforce requirements with employment opportunities for people in both communities. He also raised concerns over a redundancy exercise conducted in May, which affected 14 managers through voluntary and compulsory redundancy.

In response, Minister Koroma reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a balanced relationship between employers and employees, stressing that both parties are essential to a sustainable labour environment.

On the issue of end-of-service benefits for the affected managers, the Minister disclosed that the matter was before the court and that the Ministry had sought guidance from the Attorney General’s Office on the interpretation of relevant legal provisions.

He also highlighted ongoing engagements with the Employers’ Federation and the Labour Congress on the implementation of Section 25 of the Employment Act, noting that both parties had been tasked with developing a workable approach to compliance.

The Minister assured the delegation of the Ministry’s continued commitment to dialogue, collaboration and the effective implementation of labour laws to protect workers while supporting employers and promoting job creation.

Credit: Communications Unit
MELSS