During a critical session of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone, the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, made an impassioned plea for the introduction of more stringent penalties for violators of the recently enacted Industrial Relations and Trade Union Act of 2024.
The Speaker underscored the inadequacy of the current fines stipulated in the Act, arguing that the present penalty of twelve months’ minimum salary is insufficient to deter infractions and ensure justice for employees.
Addressing the Members of Parliament, Speaker Thomas emphasized the necessity for heavier fines and the potential inclusion of prison terms for those who breach labor laws. He argued that the severity of offenses against employee rights warrants a corresponding severity in punishment to effectively protect workers and uphold the integrity of labor regulations.
“The minimum wage should not be used as a benchmark for fines in such significant matters,” Speaker Thomas stated. “Our current penalty of twelve months’ minimum salary is grossly unfair to employees and does not reflect the gravity of these offenses. We must consider more severe punishments, including higher fines or imprisonment, to ensure compliance and justice.”
Speaker Thomas also reassured the public of Parliament’s commitment to addressing and amending the minimum wage laws promptly. He urged his fellow Parliamentarians to deliberate carefully on the proposed changes, highlighting the need for the fines to reflect the seriousness of labor law violations.
In a unanimous decision, the Members of Parliament agreed to revise the fines stipulated in the Industrial Relations and Trade Union Act. They consented that the penalty for violating the Act should be increased to twenty-five months of the minimum salary wage. This significant adjustment aims to provide a stronger deterrent against breaches of labor laws and better protect the rights of employees across the country.
The decision marks a crucial step in strengthening labor laws in Sierra Leone, demonstrating the Parliament’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights and ensuring fair treatment in the workplace. The proposed amendments are expected to be formally ratified in the coming sessions, further reinforcing the country’s labor regulatory framework.
As the discussion progresses, the Speaker’s call for stringent penalties reflects a broader movement towards enhancing labor protections and ensuring that violations are met with appropriate consequences. The increase in fines signifies a robust approach to labor law enforcement, aligning with international standards and the expectations of Sierra Leonean workers for a fair and just working environment.
