Sierra Leone – Rebuilding the capacity of the trade union movement in the post-civil war era
Sierra Leone – Rebuilding the capacity of the trade union movement in the post-civil war era
Project budget £400,000
Between 2007-2010 the TUC supported the Sierra Leonean trade union movement to rebuild its union capacity in a post-civil war era. By 2007, trade union membership had dropped to 42,000 from a peak of some 150,000 in the pre-war period. The Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC) and its affiliates had an uphill task in defending workers' rights and rebuilding the movement due to the lack of expertise and resources. The Rebuilding Trade Union Capacity in Sierra Leone Project, launched in 2007 with financial support from the Department for International Development, gave a tremendous boost to trade union institutions, structures, and networks. The successful project received endorsement from the Sierra Leonean government of the day.
Project activities and outcomes
- Trade union membership increased by around 20 per cent
- Unions began organising in the informal economy
- Seven collective bargaining agreements covering 45,000 workers were secured
- The number of unions affiliated to the Sierra Leone Labour Congress grew by 15 per cent.
- A 20 per cent increase in public sector salaries and an increase in the minimum wage was secured.
- The trade union movement gained more recognition from government and played a role in national policy making, lobbying and advocacy activities.
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