Towards strategic move to promote industrial peace, enhance labor education, facilitate social dialogue, and bolster job creation, the Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, led a team of directors from the Ministry in a visit to Socfin on January 20, 2024. This visit aligns with the government’s commitment, led by His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, to prioritize job creation as one of its pivotal objectives.

The overarching goal set by the government is ambitious yet crucial: the creation of 500,000 jobs over the next five years. Minister Swaray, at the forefront of the Ministry’s efforts, has initiated a nationwide tour of workplaces to ensure that both employers and employees thrive in conducive working environments. Through engaging discussions, opportunities are being explored to fulfill President Bio’s vision of substantial job creation.

During the visit to Socfin, Minister Swaray held a comprehensive meeting with the top management of the company. In this session, he eloquently outlined the government’s vision, emphasizing the pivotal role of the private sector in job creation. The discussion delved into the recently enacted Labour and Employment Act of 2023, with a focus on its meticulous implementation.

The management, seizing the opportunity, presented the intricate operations of the company to Minister Swaray, expressing a commitment to working in the best interest of the people and the nation at large.

Addressing the core of the workforce, Minister Swaray engaged employees to understand their perspectives and challenges. The highlighted issues included concerns such as NASSIT payment, contract of employment, union matters, inadequate salaries, insufficient leave allowances, limited access to medical facilities, and concerns regarding personal safety equipment. Minister Swaray assured the workforce that their concerns would be effectively communicated to the management for prompt resolution.

In a subsequent exit meeting, the raised issues were formally presented to the management. Both parties collaboratively agreed on a clear roadmap to address and resolve the labor-related matters at hand. This agreement signifies a commitment to fostering collaboration between the government, employers, and employees to create a more harmonious and productive working environment.

The visit to Socfin serves as a testament to the government’s dedication to its big five game changers, particularly emphasizing the importance of job creation. Minister Swaray’s proactive approach in engaging both employers and employees reflects a commitment to ensuring that the workforce thrives in conditions conducive to productivity and personal well-being.

As the Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security continues its nationwide tour, similar engagements with other workplaces are anticipated. The outcome of these interactions is expected to contribute significantly to the realization of President Bio’s vision of substantial job creation and the overall enhancement of labor relations across the country.