In a pivotal step toward wage reform, the Ministry of Employment, Labor, and Security, in partnership with the Joint National Negotiating Board (JNNB), conducted a comprehensive review of the National Minimum Wage at New England Field in Freetown. The session, chaired by Mr. Albert OAU Collier, gathered a diverse group of employers, workers, and stakeholders from various sectors to address wage adequacy in light of the rising cost of living.
The review's primary goals were to evaluate whether the current minimum wage meets living standards, foster constructive dialogue among employers and employees, and develop recommendations for potential adjustments.
Key points of discussion included:
Economic Viability: Employers presented concerns about how wage increases might affect the sustainability of small to medium enterprises.
Living Standards: Worker representatives emphasized the need for higher wages to counteract inflation and support a basic standard of living.
Regional Comparisons: Wage benchmarks from similar regions were reviewed to align Sierra Leone’s standards more closely with regional norms.
Outcomes:
A phased minimum wage increase over the next three years was recommended to balance employer and employee needs.
A Monitoring Committee was proposed to track economic trends and evaluate the impact of wage adjustments, reporting periodically to the Board.
The Board committed to annual wage reviews to ensure alignment with the economic climate.
This review highlights the Ministry's and JNNB’s commitment to fostering economic stability and fair compensation for Sierra Leone’s workforce, focusing on sustainable development and worker welfare.
Kadijatu Kabba
SLENA Correspondent
+232 88 21 50 30
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