Vice President Juldeh Jalloh Calls for Labour Unity and Reform at National Conference.

Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, today delivered a powerful keynote address at the opening of the 2025 National Labour Conference, held at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown. With the theme “Shaping the Future of Work,” the conference brought together over 100 representatives from trade unions, employer groups, government ministries, and civil society to set a new course for labour relations in the country.

In his address, the Vice President urged stakeholders to move beyond traditional fault-finding and embrace constructive dialogue. “Every year we’ve met, we’ve mostly heard complaints,” he said. “But we must celebrate the people who have shaped our labour journey—and move from rhetoric to resolution.” He commended the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security under the leadership of Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray for its increasing responsiveness. He proposed establishing a permanent tripartite dialogue mechanism to promote continuous engagement between government, employers, and workers.

Linking the labour conference to the government’s broader Big Five Game Changers agenda, Dr. Jalloh outlined strategic growth areas—agriculture, mining, renewable energy, tourism, and digital services—as central to national development and job creation. “When we create jobs, we reduce poverty, strengthen families and empower our youth,” he stated. He also celebrated a recent drop in food inflation to 23 per cent, attributing this to a boost in local food production and increased support for farmers.

The Vice President also addressed the country’s infrastructure and fiscal challenges, acknowledging persistent electricity shortages and the need for improved tax compliance. He reframed taxation as a shared responsibility. “Paying taxes and utility bills isn’t a punishment—it’s an investment in your success. When taxes are dodged, schools don’t get built. We’re all in this together,” he said.

Minister Swaray echoed the call for collaboration, thanking the Vice President, conference committee, and all partners and sponsors, with a special mention of Evergreen for its visible commitment. He invited participants to commemorate the event with the official conference photograph and recognised the efforts of those who have contributed to transforming Sierra Leone’s labour sector.

The Sierra Leone Labour Congress representative underscored the urgency of building a fair and inclusive labour market in the face of rapid global economic and technological changes. He stressed that structured, continuous social dialogue practised in countries like Germany can foster workplace stability, reduce strikes, and drive equitable development. He praised the Vice President’s leadership and the Ministry’s role in convening the conference, calling on all stakeholders to commit to shared solutions.

In his remarks, the ILO representative emphasised that sustainable productivity depends on skills, attitudes, and equitable wage structures. He highlighted concerns over rising production costs and competition within the Mano River Union. He noted that Sierra Leone’s stagnant GDP, hovering around $4 billion for several years, necessitates urgent reforms. He called for harmonised collective bargaining frameworks and standardised compensation practices to create an enabling investment and inclusive growth environment.

As the day’s proceedings ended, Vice President Jalloh pledged to set up a dedicated implementation team to follow through on the commitments. “This is not just another conference,” he concluded. “This is a turning point.” His message marked a significant moment of hope and determination, setting the stage for meaningful reforms in Sierra Leone’s labour landscape.