By Abass Mahmoud Sillah Jr
The Deputy Secretary-General of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC), Edward Y. Kamara, has outlined plans for this year’s International Workers’ Day celebrations, emphasizing the urgent need to confront emerging challenges facing workers in the digital age. Speaking ahead of the May 1 commemoration, Kamara disclosed that Sierra Leone will join the rest of the world in observing the day, which has been reinstated as a public holiday after more than five years of dormancy. He noted that this year’s celebration will be held under the theme: “Challenges and Opportunities of Decent Work in the Digital Era.”
According to him, activities will commence with a National Social Dialogue Forum scheduled for Thursday, bringing together key stakeholders to deliberate on critical labour issues affecting workers across the country. “We have a range of pressing concerns that will be discussed during the dialogue. Panelists will examine these issues in detail and respond to questions from the public,” Kamara said. He explained that the May Day celebration on Friday will be organized in collaboration with the Employers’ Federation and the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, alongside support from diplomatic missions, business institutions, and other partners.
On the day of the event, workers from various sectors are expected to converge in organized processions from different parts of the capital, symbolizing unity and solidarity among the labour force. Kamara highlighted several longstanding and emerging challenges confronting workers, particularly in relation to labour rights and workplace conditions. He pointed to weak enforcement of labour laws, difficulties in negotiating and implementing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), and limited union representation in many workplaces. “A major concern is that many employers are not fully implementing agreements reached with workers.
This undermines trust and weakens the protection framework that trade unions are meant to provide,” he noted. He further stressed that the rapid advancement of technology presents both opportunities and risks for the workforce. While digital transformation offers prospects for innovation and efficiency, many workers lack access to the necessary tools and training to adapt to these changes. “We are moving into an era driven by artificial intelligence and digital systems. However, many employers are yet to equip workers with the required tools and skills.
Without proper training, workers risk being left behind,” Kamara warned. The SLLC official also underscored broader elements of decent work, including fair wages, job security, social protection, and the fundamental right to freedom of association. He noted that these remain central to the labour movement’s advocacy. Funding constraints for worker training programmes were also identified as a major obstacle. Kamara called on employers and government institutions to support capacity-building initiatives to ensure workers remain competitive in an evolving job market.
Beyond workplace issues, he cited systemic challenges such as unreliable electricity supply, fluctuating market prices, and multiple taxation and levies as significant barriers affecting both businesses and workers. “Electricity remains a serious concern. Without stable power, businesses struggle to operate efficiently, and this directly impacts workers’ productivity and livelihoods,” he said. He added that economic pressures, including rising operational costs, continue to strain employers, which in turn affects job creation and wage stability. Despite these challenges, Kamara expressed optimism that the social dialogue forum and May Day engagements will provide a platform for constructive discussions and policy direction.
“Our goal is to present these issues clearly so that government and stakeholders can take informed decisions. At the end of the process, we expect practical outcomes that will improve the conditions of workers across Sierra Leone,” he concluded. The 2026 May Day celebration is expected to bring together workers, employers, policymakers, and development partners in a renewed commitment to advancing decent work and inclusive economic growth in the country.
