Koidu Limited Halts Operations Amidst ‘Illegal’ Strike, Accuses First Lady of Undermining Resolution
Fatmata Grace Bangura Koidu Limited has been compelled to suspend its operations and shift into a Care and Maintenance phase due to an industrial strike, which the company describes as illegal, that has disrupted the company’s work.
The company sent a letter to the Minister of Employment, Labor, and Social Security, Hon. Mohamed Swarray, on March 25, detailing the situation.
The letter confirms that the strike action, initiated by some members of the Koidu workforce, violates provisions in the Industrial Relations and Trade Union Act, 2024, as well as the Employment Act of 2023. Despite efforts to resolve the dispute, including a March 20 press release that called for workers to return to work, the situation remains unresolved.
Koidu Limited states that the decision to enter the Care and Maintenance phase was made to protect company assets, ensure employee safety, and maintain business continuity. The company noted that the strike had escalated due to intimidation, with some workers being prevented from returning to work.
In addition, the company alleges political interference is making the situation more complicated. According to Koidu Limited, the First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, has used social media to advise workers to stay off the job until their concerns are addressed, which the company argues undermines the resolutions proposed by both the Ministry of Employment and the company itself.
The company’s letter concludes by stating that it has been left with no choice but to take this step due to the escalating tensions, continuing threats, and unresolved labor dispute.
Den wan lae Fatima vex. I wonder who she is going to go after this time after the blame is being laid at her feet
So the management of Koidu Limited thinks they are better humans than the local workers right?
Let them resolve the people’s concerns first before they can return to work. Thank you first Lady for saving your people.
Do not only Shut down, but park up and leave and see if we as sierra leone will not exist… Improved the workers conditions and you are blaming political interference???
Sickening…