The Sierra Leone Store Labour Union (SLSLU) has officially been recognized by the Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security (MELSS) as a legitimate representative body for store labourers nationwide.

The union was granted its certification during a ceremony held on Monday, signaling a significant step in advancing labour rights within one of the country’s most underserved workforce sectors.

The union’s certification follows elections held in June 2023, which were organized by MELSS to establish a leadership structure. The elections were prompted by increasing complaints from workers about issues such as maltreatment, poor wages, and unsafe working conditions. In a tightly contested race for the chairperson position on June 3, 2023, Alhaji Alusine Komeh emerged victorious with 148 votes, narrowly defeating Alfred Marshall, who received 139 votes.

Acting Registrar of Trade Unions, Abdulai Conteh, who presented the certification, emphasized that the union’s formal recognition empowers it to address workplace challenges and serve as a mediator between workers and employers.

“This certification marks a new chapter for store labourers, offering a structured approach to resolving labour disputes and ensuring fair treatment,” said Conteh.

Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC), Max Conteh, lauded the peaceful conduct of the elections and acknowledged the role of Alfred Marshall, the union’s former leader, in laying a foundation for progress. Conteh noted that the union’s establishment aligns with the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Decent Work agenda.

Deputy Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, Lansana Mohamed Dumbuya, congratulated the new leadership and urged them to focus on unity and the well-being of their members. Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray reaffirmed President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s informal sector and announced plans to introduce a social security system tailored to informal workers.

“These initiatives will complement the Industrial Relations and Trade Union Act to improve conditions for the majority of the workforce,” said Swaray.

Newly elected chairperson Alhaji Alusine Komeh, alongside Vice President Alhaji Alhassan Komeh and Secretary General Abdul Kamara, expressed their gratitude and commitment to advocating for their members. The leadership vowed to collaborate with stakeholders and adhere to Sierra Leone’s Labour Laws Act to advance workers’ rights.

The certification of the SLSLU is being hailed as a critical step toward improving the conditions of store labourers, ensuring workplace safety, fair wages, and the protection of workers’ rights. The union’s collaboration with MELSS and the SLLC is expected to set a precedent for addressing labour concerns in Sierra Leone’s informal sector.