Monrovia – The Ministry of Labour has ordered Firestone Rubber Plantation Company to cease outsourcing large portions of its rubber plantation to private individuals.
By Edwin Genoway, [email protected]
The new directive mandates that Firestone must seek the Ministry’s consent and provide prior notice for any future outsourcing plans to protect workers’ rights and labor benefits.
The decision follows the successful negotiation and signing of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between Firestone and its workers after over three months of discussions.
The agreement was finalized at the Ministry’s E.J.S. Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, with Labour Minister Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr. overseeing the proceedings. Senior Firestone management, led by Government Relations Manager Richard Fallah, joined officials from the Firestone Workers Union (FAWUL) and the Liberia Labour Congress (LLC), represented by LLC Secretary General Marcus Blamah, in signing the new deal.
Minister Kruah expressed concern that Firestone’s previous outsourcing policy had negatively impacted workers by subjecting them to poor working conditions not covered by the previous CBA.
He emphasized the importance of social dialogue between workers and employers to resolve workplace issues.
The newly signed CBA, which will remain in effect for three years, offers improved benefits for Firestone workers, including better housing, overtime pay, and enhanced protective equipment. Minister Kruah reiterated that under President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s administration, creating job opportunities and maintaining a stable labor sector remain top priorities.
Both Richard Fallah of Firestone and Marcus Blamah of LLC expressed gratitude to Minister Kruah and the government for their patience in reaching a peaceful resolution to the negotiations.
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