The Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has reaffirmed the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to improving journalists’ welfare and strengthening compliance with labour laws during a meeting with representatives of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), and the Reporters Union of Sierra Leone (RUSL).

The engagement, held in Freetown, formed part of ongoing efforts to address challenges facing media practitioners, improve working conditions, and promote constructive dialogue between journalists, media employers, and government institutions.

Speaking during the meeting, SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara thanked the Minister for receiving the delegation and acknowledged his continued support for initiatives aimed at advancing press freedom and enhancing the welfare of journalists in Sierra Leone.

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The delegation also included IFJ Expert Adviser Jeremy Dear, who highlighted concerns over labour conditions within the media sector. He cited research findings indicating that many journalists are not receiving the minimum wage, while a significant number remain unregistered with the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT). He further noted that some media institutions are failing to comply with labour regulations relating to salaries, contracts, and social security contributions.

Dear called for stronger enforcement of existing labour laws and emphasized the need to strengthen social dialogue mechanisms within the media industry. He also advocated for the establishment of a sector-wide collective bargaining framework to improve working conditions for journalists.

Responding to the concerns, Minister Swaray described journalists’ welfare as an issue that remains close to his heart, recalling his tenure as Minister of Information and Communications between 2018 and 2023.

He highlighted key reforms achieved during that period, including the repeal of the criminal libel provisions of the Public Order Act, the establishment of the National Fund for Public Interest Media, and amendments to media legislation aimed at promoting better remuneration and social security protection for journalists.

The Minister said his commitment to improving welfare conditions was inspired by the experiences of retired journalists who had devoted years of service to the profession but later faced economic hardship.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that journalists are enrolled in the NASSIT scheme, describing social security as a vital safeguard against poverty and financial insecurity in retirement.

Hon. Swaray further disclosed that journalists were among the first professional groups he engaged upon assuming office at the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security. He reiterated his call on media employers to fulfill their obligations by paying salaries regularly and registering employees for social security benefits.

While reaffirming Government’s commitment to labour rights and social dialogue, the Minister also urged media institutions to take greater responsibility for addressing welfare concerns within the sector.

He noted that the growing number of media outlets operating in a relatively small market has intensified competition for limited resources, creating financial challenges that often affect the welfare of media workers.

The Minister concluded by encouraging stronger collaboration and greater institutional sustainability within the media industry, emphasizing that financially stable media organizations would be better positioned to meet their obligations to journalists and contribute effectively to national development.

The meeting ended with a shared commitment among Government, media stakeholders, and international partners to continue working together to improve labour standards, strengthen compliance with employment laws, and promote the welfare of journalists across Sierra Leone.