….Western Cluster Liberia CEO defends why his company appointed only two Liberians
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
The Chief Executive Officer of Western Cluster Liberia Limited , Mr. JOSEPH Coelho has begun defending the employment of only two Liberia in his company, stating that the Mineral Development Agreement signed between the company and the government of Liberia does not mandate the company to Liberian.
Western Cluster Liberia, a major mining operation in the country, faces criticism for its bad labor practices that have left hundreds of Liberians in precarious employment situations.
Despite holding a 25-year concession agreement to mine in Bomi County, the company directly employs only two Liberians. Instead, 563 Liberian workers are employed through an outsourcing program managed by subcontractors, leaving them with no job security or direct employment benefits. Most of these workers are on three-month contracts, further exacerbating their employment instability.
But, defending the company action, Wester Cluster Liberia Limited Chief Executive Officer said that their Mineral Development Agreement only mandate then for hiring more subcontractors company instead of employing Liberian.
” My brother, it’s true we have only two Liberian but we have plan to do more. But, what you should understand, our Mineral Development Agreement doesn’t call for the employment of Liberian, rather it mandates that we should hire more subcontracting companies who can employee and that is what we are doing ” he noted.
When quizzed about Liberian hired by the subcontracting companies not employed rather, they are also hired on contract basic which put their job at stake, he claimed that they have no right over any subcontracting companies they hired. He argued that such has not being brought to their attention, because the company and it’s subcontracting companies are working very well.
The Ministry of Labor recently sounded a cavite against two major mining companies operating in Liberia, including Bea Mountain Mining Company (BMMC) in Grand Cape Mount County and Western Cluster Liberia in Bomi County. The warning is on the violations of their concession agreements and poor labor practices.
The ministry’s investigation highlights significant disparities and questionable practices that undermine the rights and opportunities of Liberian workers, sparking widespread concern about the companies’ compliance with national labor laws and their commitment to fostering local employment.
The Ministry of Labor has expressed deep concern over this arrangement, questioning why a company with such a long-term concession agreement has failed to integrate more Liberians into its direct workforce. “We have made it clear that this is unacceptable. These Liberians need permanent employment, not exploitation through third-party agreements,” Minister Kruah stated.
The ministry also criticized Western Cluster for its lack of social responsibility. Despite its extensive operations, the company has not invested in essential services like schools and hospitals for the local community. Minister Kruah has called on the Bureau of Concessions to join the conversation to resolve these issues and has vowed to raise the matter in the cabinet to ensure that the rights and welfare of Liberian workers are safeguarded.
Minister Kruah has reiterated that the Ministry of Labor will not relent in its efforts to ensure fair labor practices across all concession companies in Liberia. A comprehensive review of all concession agreements and labor practices is underway, with a particular focus on ensuring that Liberians are given the opportunity to actively participate in their economy.
The Ministry’s ongoing assessment tour will cover all major concession companies, with a final report to be made public at the end of the tour. “We are committed to holding these companies accountable and ensuring that Liberians are not marginalized in their own country,” Kruah concluded.
