By Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S.
Koidu Limited has been compelled to suspend its operations and transition into a Care and Maintenance phase due to an ongoing industrial strike, which the company has labeled as illegal and disruptive to its operations.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Employment, Labor, and Social Security, Hon. Mohamed Swarray, dated March 25, the company detailed the prevailing situation. The letter asserts that the strike, initiated by a segment of the Koidu workforce, contravenes provisions outlined in the Industrial Relations and Trade Union Act of 2024 as well as the Employment Act of 2023.
Despite the company’s efforts to resolve the dispute, including a March 20 press release urging workers to return to work, the situation remains unresolved. Koidu Limited emphasized that its decision to enter the Care and Maintenance phase was necessary to protect company assets, ensure employee safety, and maintain business continuity. The company further indicated that the strike had intensified due to intimidation, with some workers being prevented from returning to their jobs.
Additionally, Koidu Limited has alleged that political interference is complicating the matter. The company claims that First Lady Fatima Maada Bio has utilized social media platforms to encourage workers to remain off the job until their grievances are addressed, arguing that this undermines the resolutions proposed by both the Ministry of Employment and the company.
The letter concludes by expressing that the escalating tensions, ongoing threats, and unresolved labor dispute have left Koidu Limited with no choice but to implement this decisive action.
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