BY: MOHAMED SAHR
In a bold move against longstanding grievances, junior workers at the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), primarily based in Rokupr, Kambia District, have initiated a widespread industrial strike, effectively shuttering SLARI offices and research facilities nationwide.
The strike, which commenced on June 10th, 2024, stems from a culmination of discontent among junior staff members over dismal working conditions and unmet demands for fair compensation and career advancement. Bundu Kamara, a junior staffer, highlighted the stark reality faced by SLARI employees, with some enduring meager salaries of less than 600 leones per month for over three years, coupled with stagnant career growth despite lengthy service. Kamara lamented the loss of colleagues in the line of duty, citing the recent tragedy during active field operations, where the distribution of vital seed rice was overshadowed by the death of a senior field operator.
Despite recent revisions to the SLARI Act aimed at improving worker provisions, frustrations persist as the administration fails to address fundamental issues such as minimum wage, promotions, and benefits. Dr. Adam Shaka Kanu, Director of the Rokupr Centre, acknowledged the disruptive nature of the ongoing strike, emphasizing its impact on the institute’s crucial agricultural research endeavors. SLARI’s leadership has expressed commitment to constructive dialogue in efforts to resolve the impasse and resume operations, recognizing the critical role of agriculture in Sierra Leone’s developmental agenda.
As SLARI grapples with internal dissent, the broader ramifications of the strike reverberate across Sierra Leone, underscoring the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure fair treatment and equitable opportunities for its workforce.
