By Saidu Jalloh
The Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador (Rtd) Col. Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., and the Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, Mr. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, along with the General Manager and team of the Sierra Leone Airport Authority, and the Director-General and Management Team of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, have convened with the Management and staff of the Freetown International Airport to address pressing issues concerning workers’ welfare.
During the engagement, workers candidly expressed their challenges and appealed to the Ministers for resolution. These issues encompassed non-payment of severance benefits, unjust termination, and withholding of other entitled benefits.
The Minister of Labour, while addressing the concerned workers, assured them that each grievance raised would be meticulously addressed. He pledged that his team would meticulously review the Airport Management’s records to confirm that employment contracts were duly vetted and attested by the Commissioner of Labour. Emphasizing that redundancy and end of service benefits are fundamental human rights, he stressed that they would not be compromised.
“This Government stands firm on safeguarding your rights. We are committed to ensuring that you receive what is rightfully yours,” the Labour Minister affirmed.
The Minister of Transport and Aviation expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the workers since the transition to Suma Group. He disclosed ongoing discussions with Suma Group’s management, asserting, “We will promptly revert to you with updates.” He reassured the workers of the Government’s dedication to conducting further engagements with airport managements to devise enduring solutions to the prevailing issues.
“I assure you that our next encounter here will be to deliver the positive outcomes you all eagerly anticipate,” the Minister assured.
