The peaceful working atmosphere at Super Holdings Limited’s Head Office in Kingtom, Freetown, was disrupted as approximately 150 employees staged a protest against the management of the company.

The workers, who have been dedicated to the production of plastic products, gas, and oxygen for several decades, expressed their grievances regarding the recent change in management at the company.

According to the aggrieved workers, the transition in leadership occurred without proper communication or consultation with them. They were taken aback to discover that a new management team, led by Wishwajeet Ganguly, had assumed control of the company since July of this year, replacing the previous owner, Madam Kaiwanie.

The employees voice their concerns about the lack of engagement from the new management regarding their terms of employment under the new leadership, prompting them to take decisive action.

The workers highlighted the challenges they have faced over the years, including severe workplace injuries resulting in permanent disabilities such as amputated fingers and even blindness, caused by the machinery they operate on a daily basis. Despite their dedication and service to the company, they felt disregarded and neglected in the aftermath of the change in ownership.

One worker, speaking on behalf of the group, expressed their demand for immediate clarity on their redundancy packages and other entitlements before any further discussions could take place regarding their future employment terms. They emphasized the importance of being duly informed and consulted in such significant managerial transitions, stressing that their rights and well-being should be prioritized.

The workers further outlined their disappointment with the lack of support from their Union representatives, whom they claimed had not adequately addressed their grievances or advocated for their interests in the face of the management change. They raised concerns about the apparent lack of transparency and communication from both the outgoing and incoming management, leaving them in a state of uncertainty and vulnerability.

In response to the workers’ protests, Manley Pratt, the Head of the Union representing the Super Holdings workers, affirmed his commitment to standing by the employees and ensuring that their voices are heard. He acknowledged the importance of maintaining a harmonious and respectful workplace environment, emphasizing the necessity of proper communication and consultation in times of organizational change.

Pratt revealed that efforts had been made to engage with the new management regarding the workers’ concerns, including sending formal correspondence expressing the dissatisfaction of the employees with the transition process. However, he lamented that the response from the new owners had been evasive, with requested meetings being repeatedly postponed or avoided.

The Union leader underscored the significance of adherence to legal protocols and industry standards when undergoing a change in management, emphasizing the need for comprehensive documentation and communication with all relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Labour and labor unions. He reiterated his commitment to upholding the rights and welfare of the workers in accordance with established regulations.

Despite attempts to reach out to the new management for comment on the situation, including phone calls, text messages, and a physical visit to the company premises, no response has been forthcoming, leaving the workers in a state of limbo as they continue to seek resolution and redress for their grievances.

As the standoff between the workers and the management of Super Holdings Limited persists, the calls for transparency, fairness, and accountability in corporate governance echo loudly, underscoring the fundamental rights and dignity of the employees who form the backbone of the company’s operations. The outcome of this conflict remains uncertain, but the resolute determination of the workers to assert their demands signals a collective resolve to uphold justice and integrity within the workplace environment.