By VOS Investigation Desk
Workers at CTC Mining Company have complained about the prolonged delay in the payment of their monthly salaries by the company, which, according to information, has suspended its operations for obvious reasons.
The delay in paying the company’s workers is a flagrant violation of Sierra Leone’s labour laws. Owing employees salaries for several months is a direct breach of the law. Under the Employment Act 2023, employers are legally required to disburse wages at regular intervals, typically by the final working day of each monthly payroll cycle. Withholding pay or failing to pay workers on time constitutes a violation of employees’ statutory right to fair and timely remuneration.
The growing salary crisis has reportedly left scores of workers and their families in financial distress, with many struggling to meet basic household obligations, including rent, school fees, transportation and daily feeding.
Several affected employees told this medium that they have continued to report for duty in good faith, only to be left uncertain about when, or even whether, they will receive the wages they have legitimately earned.
According to information obtained by this press, the company’s financial difficulties stem from poor returns on the sale of bauxite, forcing management to quietly seek a new investor to take over its operations. However, while negotiations are allegedly ongoing behind closed doors, workers claim they are being made to bear the burden of the company’s financial challenges through months of unpaid salaries.
Employees described the situation as both unfair and inhumane, arguing that management has failed to communicate transparently with the workforce while continuing to make promises that have yielded no tangible results. They insist that workers should not be sacrificed because of management’s business setbacks.
The matter has reportedly reached the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, which is said to have intervened and urged the company to fulfil its legal obligations by paying the outstanding salaries owed to workers. However, it remains unclear whether the company has complied with the Ministry’s directives, raising fresh concerns about enforcement of Sierra Leone’s labour laws and the protection of workers’ rights.
Beyond the issue of unpaid wages, workers also raised concerns over occupational health and safety conditions at the mining site, alleging that several workplace welfare issues remain unresolved. They are calling on the relevant regulatory authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the company’s labour practices to ensure compliance with the Employment Act 2023 and other applicable regulations.
In keeping with the principles of balanced journalism, this medium sought the company’s response. A WhatsApp message was sent to the Chief Executive Officer, Hisham Mackie, who replied that he would return the call later. However, as of the time of going to press, he had not done so despite the opportunity to comment on the allegations.
This medium will continue to monitor developments surrounding CTC Mining Company, including its reported search for new investors, the welfare of its workers, and any actions taken by the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security to ensure that employees receive the salaries and protections guaranteed under Sierra Leonean law.
