Labour Ministry, Sunbird Bioenergy Reach Agreement to Resolve Workers’ Welfare Concerns

The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security (MELSS) has reached an agreement with Sunbird Bioenergy SL Ltd and the Sierra Leone Labour Congress on a roadmap to address concerns affecting workers and surrounding communities.

The agreement followed a tripartite meeting on August 20, 2026, at the Office of the Commissioner of Labour and Employment. The meeting was convened after a public notice issued by Sunbird Bioenergy raised concerns within the Ministry, particularly because relevant stakeholders had not been consulted beforehand.

During the meeting, Sunbird Bioenergy management apologised for failing to engage the Ministry and other stakeholders before issuing the notice. Management, however, explained that the decision was considered necessary given the circumstances facing the company.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the Ministry, company management and the Sierra Leone Labour Congress to discuss workers’ welfare and other concerns affecting employees and surrounding communities.

Following extensive discussions, the parties agreed on a roadmap to address the concerns and ensure continued engagement among stakeholders.

As part of the roadmap, a broader engagement involving workers and community stakeholders is scheduled for August 28, 2026. The meeting is expected to facilitate further dialogue, clarify outstanding concerns and identify practical measures to address welfare issues.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to promoting constructive dialogue among employers, workers, trade unions and communities in support of industrial peace, workers’ welfare and sustainable employment relations.

The parties are expected to use the agreed roadmap and subsequent engagements to resolve outstanding issues and maintain constructive relations between Sunbird Bioenergy, its workforce and surrounding communities.

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