Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Sierra Leone

Minimum Wage-Fixing Machinery Convention, 1928 (No. 26) (Ratification: 1961)
Protection of Wages Convention, 1949 (No. 95) (Ratification: 1961)
Minimum Wage Fixing Machinery (Agriculture) Convention, 1951 (No. 99) (Ratification: 1961)

Previous comment

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of the ratified Conventions on wages, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos. 26 and 99 (minimum wages) and No. 95 (protection of wages) together.

Articles 3 of Convention No. 26 and Article 3 of Convention No. 99. Operation of minimum wage-fixing machinery. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that the then applicable minimum wage was not adequate to match the living standards of an average worker due to the economic situation. The Government indicates in its report that there has been an increase in the minimum wage. In this respect, the Committee notes that Government Notice No. 28, issued by the Joint National Negotiating Board, set a new national minimum wage (800,000 Le per month) with effect from 1 April 2023. According to the Government, the Trade Group Negotiation Council (TGNC) is also engaging on increases to several sectoral minimum wages. In this regard, reference is made to the example of the commercial workers’ TGNC. The Committee requests the Government to continue its efforts related to the operation of its minimum wages fixing machinery, in consultation with social partners, and to provide information on any further development in this respect. It requests the Government to provide information on progress made regarding the effort to increase several sectoral minimum wages.

Articles 5 and 7 of Convention No. 95. Direct payment to worker. Work Stores. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Employers and Employed Act, as amended by Amendment Act No. 23 of 1962, did not contain provisions giving effect to Articles 5 and 7. The Committee notes with satisfaction that these two Articles have now been given effect through the Employment Act, No. 15 of 2023 (section 52 and section 58 respectively). The Committee takes note of this information, which addresses its previous request.