… Says Liberia’s labor sector Is plagued by systemic Corruption and inefficiencies
Sir-George S. Tengbeh, Liberian globalization expert, researcher, and commentator on bad labor practices and workers’ rights Sir-George S. Tengbehhas called on the Minister of Labor, Cllr. Cooper Kruah to implement a comprehensive labor reform in Liberia.
Tengbeh made the call in an open letter to Minister Kruah on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Monrovia. Tengbeh’s open letter motto: “Mainstreaming bad labor practice and advocating for institutional labor governance” aims to emphasize the dire need for immediate, comprehensive reforms that will protect workers ensure equitable practices, and uphold the integrity of labor institutions.
Tengbeh, in his open letter, reminded Minister Kruahthat the Ministry of Labor is the only human resource arm of Liberia and as well the liaison officer of the economy therefore, upholding Article 18 of the Liberian constitution should also be applied in the dispense of representation. He emphasized that there should be an equal and fair share of labor activities in Liberia.
According to him, the recent interactions with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the ongoing critiques from experts have highlighted the systemic issues and widespread corruption within the country’s labor sector.
“It is interesting to know you are willing to listen and follow best practices for the good of the Liberian workforce. I write to you with a sense of urgency and deep concern regarding the critical state of labor practices in Liberia. Firstly, let me ask you this question before I deliberate on the issues at stake. Do you think it is right for a company like (Beer Factory, Bea Mountain, Western Cluster) and all those other companies not mentioned to sign an MOU with the government of Liberia for specific operations and be seen carrying on multiple operations with the same workforce but refuse to pay extra benefits to the employees? For example, Beer Factory has a contract with the government of Liberia to produce beer and other drinks but they are also seen producing Guinness STOUT. These productions are by the same workforce. Why are the employees not being paid for the extra work they put in? Is that not labor exploitation? Why are Bea Mountain, Denko Mining, and Western Cluster exploring black sand when they should be in the exploration of gold and diamond? Why are employees not paid also for the extra work they do since it is the same workforce,” Tengbeh said.
Tengbeh added “ Hon. Minister, who are our labor inspectors? Do they know their functions and whose interest they should be representing? Mr. Minister, when will the Bea Mountain situation be settled just as you asked your team to intervene amidst the ArcelorMittal strike in Nimba County? Is it Bea Mountain is from Cape Mount County and not Nimba? Also, another question can’t leave my mind, why are these concessionaire companies hiring Liberians to take up life-threatening jobs but are not willing to give them employment? Why are Liberians occupying life-threatening jobs as contractors? Is it because the company doesn’t want to pay the necessary damages and full compensation in the event these employees suffered injuries or died while on work duties,” he asserted.
Additionally, Tengbeh told the Labor Minister that it is important that they be reminded about the right to uphold International Human and Labor Rights standards emphasizing that contractors cannot be provided to employees who are working in life-threatening positions.
He mentioned that these workers should be employed and have the right to all benefits in the event something dangerous happens to them while on work duties.
He further alleged that these are some of the reasons why (Mr. Strongman) of ArcelorMittal cannot be supported with money for his medical bills even when he is suffering from a life-threatening sickness and lying in the hospital as well as the boy who lost his limbs while on duty at Bea Mountain but cannot get full benefits and he currently lives in a state of shock and sorrow.
Tengbeh also indicated in his letter that the labor sector in Liberia is plagued by systemic corruption and inefficiencies that have led to the exploitation of workers and the failure to uphold basic labor rights.
He further told the Labor Minister that there is a glaring failure to fulfill the Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) and Mineral Development Agreements (MDAs) between companies and local communities emphasizing that only 5% of MDAs are being honored.
“Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards are conspicuously absent in our labor regulations. The creation of a joint task force that includes OSHA and labor regulations, working in conjunction with the tripartite committee, is crucial for the promotion of transparency and sincerity. These tripartite should and must include representatives from the communities of these concession areas. This will create support for the sector and reduce any chance of government employees having secret meetings and dealings with concessions companies. Such a task force would ensure that safety standards are upheld, protecting workers from hazardous working conditions,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tengbeh made several recommendations for immediate and comprehensive reform including the following; developing comprehensive workers’ education programs on their rights and proper channels for addressing grievances, fulfilling MOUs and MDAs to ensure companies honor their agreements with local communities, promoting active worker participation in decision-making, revise and strengthen legal framework, strengthen union leadership, merge the decent work act and civil service standing orders to eliminate contradictions and ensure uniform protection for workers.
Tengbeh told the Labor Minister that the time for change is now and the systemic issues in Liberia’s labor sector can no longer be ignored as such the well-being of workers and the integrity of labor institutions depend on his decisive action and implementing these recommendations they can create a fairer, more equitable labor environment that respects the rights of all workers and uphold the principles of justice and transparency.
