2013 Annual Survey of Violations of Trade Union Rights - Sierra Leone
| Publisher | International Trade Union Confederation |
| Publication Date | 6 June 2013 |
| Cite as | International Trade Union Confederation, 2013 Annual Survey of Violations of Trade Union Rights - Sierra Leone, 6 June 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/51b8515918.html [accessed 8 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Violence against trade unionists: In January 2013, police opened fire on workers protesting against the non-payment of bonuses, for an end to racism, and improved conditions at Sierra Leone's largest diamond mine in Koidu. Two workers were killed.
Violence and interference in the right to organise: In April 2012, workers protested over pay, conditions, and right to organise in Bumbuna. It was reported that police fired bullets and teargas canisters indiscriminately at the protesters leaving one woman dead and at least six injured. In June 2012 Sierra Leone's Human Rights Commission announced an inquiry and recommendations for prosecution.
Public authorities refuse to grant workers of African Minerals Limited the right to belong to the union of their choice. All workers are assigned to one union. The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security cancelled the registration certificate of the Mining and Allied Services Employees Union for no tangible reason and by extension the bargaining certificate, thereby making it redundant.
Employer refusal to deduct union dues: African Minerals Limited refuses to deduct union dues from workers' salaries in violation of national labour laws. The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has not reacted to this violation.
