By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown Terminal Limited (FTL), a subsidiary of Africa Global Logistics (AGL), joined the global community in celebrating International Labour Day 2025 with a special event themed: “Shaping the Future of Work – Innovation, Digital Transformation and Just Transition.” The occasion brought together employees, industry leaders, and government representatives to reflect on the evolving nature of employment and the importance of fair labor practices.
Delivering remarks on behalf of General Manager Mr. Maroun Abi Aad, Ms. Yvonne Elliot, Human Resources Manager at FTL, extended heartfelt gratitude to the workforce, emphasizing their invaluable contributions to the company’s success. She underscored that Labour Day is more than a holiday—it’s an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication, professionalism, and resilience of workers who drive operations forward, even in challenging times.
The event also featured a keynote speech by Mr. Joseph During, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Labour, who commended employees for their diligence and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving labor conditions through progressive legislation. He highlighted key initiatives, including the Employment Act, Industrial Regulations and Tribunal Act, and the Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Safety Bill, which is currently under review.
Mr. During also drew attention to this year’s Labour Day theme, “Industrialisation, Trade, and Decent Work for Social Justice,” chosen by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) of Africa. He stressed that industrialization, coupled with social dialogue, plays a crucial role in ensuring fair labor practices and economic growth.
Adding a historical perspective, Mr. Valentine traced the origins of Labour Day to workers’ protests in the United States, emphasizing the sacrifices that laid the foundation for modern labor rights.
The commemoration concluded with an interactive session where employees engaged in discussions with management and government representatives, raising concerns and sharing insights on workplace challenges. The session fostered a spirit of collaboration and reaffirmed the commitment of all stakeholders to creating a fair, innovative, and progressive work environment.