Workers Accuse GI TEX Company of Failing to Provide Rain Gear, Raise Safety Concerns, Seek Government Intervention

By Edward Kabba Sesay, Umar Kanu & Ibrahim Turay

Workers at GI TEX Company have raised concerns over what they describe as the company’s failure to provide essential protective equipment during Sierra Leone’s rainy season, alleging that the situation has exposed employees to unsafe working conditions and potential health risks.

Several workers, who spoke to this medium on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, claimed that management has not supplied raincoats, rain boots, or other protective gear despite persistent rainfall and repeated appeals from employees.

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Workers Allege Lack of Protective Equipment

According to the workers, the alleged failure to provide protective equipment has become a recurring issue during both the rainy and dry seasons.

They accused the company’s Chief

Executive Officer, Alhaji Jaffa, and the management of GI TEX of neglecting workers’ welfare by failing to provide basic safety equipment required for employees carrying out their daily responsibilities.

The workers said they have repeatedly raised concerns internally over the years but alleged that little or no action has been taken to address the problem.

Employees Cite Health and Safety Risks

The workers noted that Sierra Leone is currently experiencing heavy rainfall throughout July, with forecasts indicating that rainfall could intensify in August, September, and October.

They questioned how employees are expected to continue working under such weather conditions without adequate rain gear.

According to them, staff members are required to report for duty regardless of weather conditions, while absence from work due to rain could result in salary deductions or loss of wages.

The workers argued that this places them in a difficult position, forcing many to choose between protecting their health and safeguarding their livelihoods.

Calls for Government Intervention

The aggrieved employees have appealed to the Government of Sierra Leone to investigate the matter and ensure compliance with the country’s labour laws and occupational safety standards.

They argued that every worker deserves safe and dignified working conditions regardless of whether they are employed by a public institution or a private company.

“No company should be above the law.

 We are Sierra Leoneans contributing to national development, and our welfare should also matter,” one worker said.

The employees further urged the Ministry responsible for labour matters and other relevant regulatory authorities to ensure that employers fulfil their legal obligations regarding workplace safety.

Workers Demand Immediate Action

The workers are calling on GI TEX Company to urgently provide raincoats, rain boots, and other personal protective equipment to all affected employees.

They warned that continued delays in addressing the issue could attract increased public attention and possible intervention from labour regulators responsible for enforcing occupational health and safety standards.

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According to them, providing basic protective equipment is essential to ensuring workers can perform their duties safely during adverse weather conditions.

GI TEX Management Invited to Respond

In line with the principles of fairness, balance, and responsible journalism, this medium has extended an opportunity to GI TEX Company and its Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Jaffa, to respond to the allegations raised by the workers.

Any official response received will be published in full to ensure all sides of the issue are fairly represented.

Should the company decline to comment or fail to respond before publication, this report will be updated to reflect that no official response was received.