Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, during the Sierra Leone’s first National Labour Conference, urged employers to prioritize labour standards and ensure decent working conditions for employees ahead of International Workers’ Day on May 1st.
The conference, held under the theme “Shaping the Future of Work: Innovation, Technology, and Just Transition,” gathered various stakeholders including government officials, social partners, and industry leaders to discuss the changing nature of work and employment in Sierra Leone.
Minister Swaray expressed gratitude to the Sierra Leone Labour Congress and the Sierra Leone Employers’ Federation for their ongoing support and acknowledged the contributions of his Ministry’s staff, sponsors, and development partners in organizing the event.
In his address, he highlighted the dual nature of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, outlining both the challenges and opportunities brought about by technological advancements. He raised concerns about automation, skills mismatch, and job displacement, urging participants to engage actively in discussions aimed at generating transformative ideas and partnerships.
“As a Ministry, we are fully committed to championing a Just Transition, one that ensures no worker is left behind, upholds decent work, fair wages, social protection, and respect for workers’ rights,” Swaray emphasized.
He highlighted the urgency of ensuring inclusivity in growth, calling for a focus on vulnerable groups within the workforce. “We must ensure that no worker is excluded. We must uphold decent work and respect for workers’ rights,” he stated.
The Minister further stressed the need for aligning educational skills development with the demands of the labour market. “We must strengthen the linkages between education providers and industries. We must invest in continuous learning, digital literacy, and innovation,” he urged, while also noting the importance of policies that reflect the realities of workers across various regions.
Minister Swaray called on all Sierra Leoneans to strive for a nation where every citizen has access to decent work and equal opportunities. “This gathering must spark bold ideas and actionable solutions. We cannot allow it to become just another talk shop,” he asserted.
He concluded by stating that the conference is a vital opportunity to establish a new social compact among government, employers, workers, and development partners to address employment challenges with innovative and locally informed solutions.
“Our ultimate goal is to position Sierra Leone as a forward-looking nation, one that is ready to embrace both the challenges and the opportunities of the future of work,” the Minister concluded.
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