BONG COUNTY — The Secretary General of the Local Workers’ Union at China Union Mining Company in Fuamah District, Kamara Kpehe, has commended Bong County District Seven Representative Foday Fahnbulleh for what he described as decisive and unwavering advocacy that has resulted in significant improvements in the welfare and working conditions of more than 500 employees at the company’s mining operations in Bong County.
By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
In a statement issued on behalf of the Workers’ Leadership Committee, Kpehe said Representative Fahnbulleh’s continuous engagement with the company’s management, government institutions and labor stakeholders has restored confidence among workers, many of whom had become frustrated over poor working conditions, delayed salaries and inadequate safety measures at the mining concession.
According to Kpehe, the lawmaker’s intervention has helped place workers’ concerns at the center of discussions between management and government authorities, leading to tangible reforms that are already improving employees’ daily lives.
“We are deeply grateful to Representative Fahnbulleh for refusing to ignore the cries of ordinary workers. At a time when many employees felt abandoned, he chose to stand with us, engage the relevant authorities and demand that management begin addressing issues that directly affect our safety, dignity and livelihood. His intervention has demonstrated what true leadership and effective representation should look like,” Kpehe said.
Kpehe noted that one of the most visible achievements of the Representative’s advocacy has been the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for workers, something employees had repeatedly requested because of the hazardous nature of mining operations.
“Mining is one of the most dangerous occupations, and workers cannot safely perform their duties without adequate protective equipment. Through Representative Fahnbulleh’s persistent advocacy, management has started providing the necessary PPE, significantly improving workplace safety and reducing the risks our members face every day while carrying out their responsibilities,” he stated.
The union leader further explained that the Representative also played a critical role in confronting what workers described as persistent bad labor practices at the company.
According to him, employees had complained about excessive working hours, unfair treatment and disrespectful conduct by some foreign supervisors, concerns that were consistently raised by Representative Fahnbulleh during his engagements with management and labor authorities.
“For a long time, workers endured difficult conditions, including long hours and treatment that undermined their dignity. Representative Fahnbulleh listened to our concerns without prejudice and consistently demanded that management uphold acceptable labor standards. His voice gave workers renewed confidence that their rights deserved protection under the laws of Liberia,” Kpehe emphasized.
Kpehe also praised the lawmaker’s intervention regarding salary delays that affected employees during the months of June and July this year. He disclosed that the Representative worked closely with the Ministry of Labor and company officials to ensure workers received their salaries in a timely manner, easing financial hardship for hundreds of families dependent on the mining operation.
“We sincerely appreciate his efforts in engaging both management and the Ministry of Labor to resolve the issue of delayed salaries. Many families rely entirely on these wages for food, education and healthcare. His timely intervention helped ensure that workers received the compensation they had honestly earned through their labor,” he added.
Beyond wages and labor rights, Kpehe said Representative Fahnbulleh has consistently advocated for improved occupational safety, workers’ training, sanitation and social security measures aimed at creating a healthier and more productive work environment.
According to him, the Representative encouraged management to strengthen workplace safety awareness, improve access to clean drinking water and address other welfare concerns affecting employees across the concession.
“Our appreciation goes beyond one issue because Representative Fahnbulleh has remained engaged on several fronts. He has advocated for workers’ training, improved sanitation, access to safe drinking water and stronger social security protections. These are not just benefits; they are essential investments in the health, safety and future of every employee working at China Union,” Kpehe declared.
The Secretary General said the workers now believe they have a genuine voice within government because of the Representative’s continued accessibility and willingness to defend their interests whenever challenges arise.
He pledged that the Workers’ Leadership Committee would continue collaborating with the company’s management to maintain industrial peace while supporting initiatives that increase productivity and strengthen the company’s operations.
Kpehe offered prayers for Representative Fahnbulleh, describing him as a leader whose commitment to ordinary citizens has inspired confidence among workers throughout the concession.
“We pray that God continues to bless Representative Foday E. K. Fahnbulleh with wisdom, strength and good health as he continues serving the people of Bong County. His commitment to defending workers’ rights has earned our respect, and we remain committed to working together in the interest of peace, productivity and sustainable development at China Union Mining Company.
