Port operations at Freetown’s Water Quay have come to a complete halt due to a strike by port workers demanding higher wages. The industrial action, which began as a protest against inadequate pay, has led to a standstill in port activities, affecting the movement of goods and ships.

For over two months, laborers have been advocating for a salary increase, but their requests have not been met. Currently, workers are earning 6 leones per hour, a rate they claim is insufficient to support their families. This has prompted them to take drastic action by stopping work entirely.

As a result of the strike, three ships—Saadgroup, Mackie Maccem Cement, and a Chinese cargo vessel—remain docked, unable to load or unload cargo. The normally bustling quay is now silent, with workers standing united in their demand for fair compensation.

Labour Chairman Sallieu Turay has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the situation, noting that negotiations with management have been unsuccessful. Turay emphasized that the strike is a last resort after repeated promises from management were not fulfilled.

Related News

Efforts to resolve the dispute have been hampered by a lack of intervention from the Ministry of Labour, which has yet to issue any statements regarding the ongoing situation. The strike continues as workers await a resolution to their wage dispute