Freetown, 12th May 2025 — Staff members of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) have issued a firm 21-day ultimatum to government authorities, demanding urgent action to improve their working conditions and dissolve the current Board of Trustees.
In a strongly-worded notice released on Monday, the staff stated that they had “endured years of dismal working conditions” and expressed deep frustration over what they described as the Board’s “unauthorized interference” in the day-to-day running of the national broadcaster.
“We have been patient for far too long,” said one SLBC staff member who requested anonymity. “But nothing seems to change. Our welfare is neglected, and the Board continues to meddle in operations. Enough is enough.”
The ultimatum follows a series of consultative engagements that began on 6th May. During that week, staff suspended programs for two days to highlight their plight and invited the attention of the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security.
A delegation from the Ministry visited the SLBC premises and met with staff and management. This was followed by a higher-level visit on Thursday, led by Labour Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray.
Staff say their concerns were thoroughly explained during these meetings, which culminated in a follow-up discussion at the Ministry headquarters on Friday. Representatives from the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) also participated in the dialogue.
While the Ministry pledged to investigate the matter and engage with relevant stakeholders, staff say they remain skeptical about any real progress.
“The Ministry’s promise to ‘initiate engagement and issue a report’ is not a solution to our immediate challenges,” said a spokesperson for the SLBC staff. “We need concrete steps — not promises.”
The ultimatum, effective from 12th May, outlines three key demands:
1. Improvement of staff welfare and working conditions, including better remuneration, safety, and benefits.
2. Immediate dissolution of the current Board of Trustees, citing persistent interference in SLBC operations.
3. Publication of the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) report on SLBC, to promote transparency and accountability.
The notice also warns that no Board meetings should be held on SLBC premises during the ultimatum period. While staff pledge to continue delivering services during the 21-day window, they say further action will be taken if their demands are not met.
“We are committed to serving the public,” said another staff member. “But if the authorities fail to act within this timeframe, we will be left with no choice but to escalate.”
As the clock starts ticking, attention now turns to the government’s response to the mounting pressure from SLBC workers.
