MONROVIA – The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor Senator Wellington Geevon Smith has cautioned leaders of various trade and workers unions in Liberia against conniving with government officials and the management of various companies and businesses to mistreat their subordinates for personal gains or favors.
By Obediah Johnson
Senator Smith observed that most often the managements of many companies and businesses establish friendly and family ties with the leaderships of their respective workers’ unions to avoid being responsible for the well-being of the workforce.
He noted that the relationship between the government and the management of many companies and businesses remains intact, but appalling on the other side.
He made these assertions at a program marking the celebration of International Labor Day held at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town on Monday, May 1.
“Two friendly forces of the workers union you must be careful with and don’t sleep with your two eyes closed; one is the government and the other is management. That friendship is over kindness. When I got to the Senate I expected to see a united workers union in the country because we have a lot of work to do. Even at the local level, management is trying to establish friendly links with labor leaders.”
Senator Smith pointed out that when the management of various companies and businesses has succeeded in getting the leaders of the various trade and workers’ unions on their side, the ordinary workers or employees are the ones that would suffer the most.
He observed that these ordinary workers will have no one to run to if their managements have also established friendly ties with the relevant authorities of the Liberian government.
He used the occasion to disclose that the Senate Committee on Labor is currently scrutinizing the Decent Work law for possible amendments.
However, Senator Smith noted, that the committee remains challenged to carry on its assigned tasks and responsibilities due to the high level of division among the various labor unions in Liberia.
Senator Smith maintained that the necessary reforms needed to improve the labor sector of Liberia cannot be made by members of the 54th National Legislature if executives and leaders of trade and workers’ unions are divided.
“If you think you are in leadership (of workers or trade unions) getting benefits from either government or management, you must think about your severance or retirement tomorrow.”
Scrutinize candidates
Senator Smith further challenged laborers in Liberia to commence the process of engaging and scrutinizing those who are vying to lead their country ahead of the ensuing presidential and legislative elections in the country.
This, he emphasized should be done along with the examining of the manifestos of the various presidential aspirants, to enable workers in Liberia to make a collective decision for their own benefit.
“The labor community of this country must wake up; shake-up or you will be shaken out. Clearly define your role in the democratization of this country for your own benefit. The labor community of our country is divided and I’m very disappointed about this. The labor community and the government cannot go to bed like this. ”
Resolve your differences
In a statement issued to commemorate the day, President George Weah called on trade unions in Liberia to speedily resolve their differences, respect the rule of law and elect a leadership.
He stressed that “it is not a good thing for the Liberia Labor Congress (LLC) to be without a legally elected and recognized leadership for so long because of internal wrangling.”
He said as compare to their counterparts in other countries, workers in Liberia have the right to be represented by a National Union, adding that, “please put aside your differences and unite.”
President Weah, however, disclosed that his government remains committed to ensuring that workers are respected and their rights are protected.
“For workers in Liberia, health and safety at the workplace means that workers have access to safety gears, workers are properly trained in the tools and equipment they use; that workers have access to clean toilets and places to have lunch as well as healthy meals; that workers have sound mental health by ensuring that the workplace environment is stress free; and that all workers are covered by NASSCORP and that employers regularly remit their premiums, etc.”
He added that government is fully committed to ensuring that these things are done to safeguard health and safety in the workplace.
“Our commitment is exemplified by the huge logistics being invested in the Labor Ministry to ensure adequate monitoring of the labor market-nationwide. The protection of workers and ensuring that qualified Liberians are given first preferences to employment opportunities are essential priorities of this government.”
“We in Liberia are very proud of the cordial relationship that subsists between employers and employees and the enabling work environment characterized by mutual respect and the rule of law.”
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