Monrovia – The National Union of Hospitality, Aviation, Communication and Energy Workers (NUHACE) has taken two top officials of the Ministry of Labor to task for alleged gross violations of workers’ rights, anti-union behavior, and deliberate obstruction of trade union activities.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Speaking Monday during NUHACE’s 7th anniversary celebration held at its national headquarters in Gardnersville, NUHACE President Comrade Baryou W. Wallace said these alleged actions are undermining Liberia’s international labor commitments – “a systematic assault on the rights and dignity of Liberian workers.”
“Undermining workers’ freedom to join unions of their choosing by some officials of the Ministry of Labor and their employer friends, violation of collective agreements, clampdowns on union leaders, and police brutality against workers are now common in Liberia. These abuses continue without any reprimand from the Ministry of Labor despite numerous complaints,” Wallace reported.
Union Alleges Obstruction from Labor Ministry Officials
Wallace named Assistant Minister for Trade Union Affairs and Social Dialogue, Rufus Saylee, and Director of Trade Union Affairs, Dominic Wreh, as two key officials allegedly blocking NUHACE’s organizing efforts across several sectors.
He alleged that since the start of the Minister Cooper Kruah’s administration at the Ministry, the two officials have “vowed consistently to do all in their powers to dissolve NUHACE.”
“We have submitted six petitions for the organization of workers who have declared to join NUHACE. Of the six submissions, only one has been processed, while the remaining five have been left in limbo for reasons beyond everyone’s imagination,” Wallace stated.
Mr. Wallace emphasized that the right to unionize is not negotiable, noting that Liberia ratified the International Labor Organization or ILO Convention 87 on the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize in 1962.
This convention obligates the government to guarantee workers’ rights to form and join unions of their choice.
Dismissals and Police Brutality Reported
The NUHACE President cited several cases of alleged retaliation against workers who attempted to organize, including dismissals at West Africa Fisheries and Barbar Motors Corporation.
He also referenced a major labor dispute at National Beverages/Trust Services Company, where more than 60 employees, including the entire local union leadership, were reportedly dismissed following protests over violations of their collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
“The Ministry of Labor’s silence in the face of such actions emboldens bad employers. When workers report CBA violations, responses are either delayed or ignored — forcing them to strike as a last resort.”
Collective Bargaining Rights ‘Under Threat’
The NUHACE head stressed that collective bargaining agreements recognized under ILO Convention 98 and Chapter 39 of the 2015 Decent Work Act, are legally binding on both employers and employees.
“No party to a collective bargaining agreement has the authority to suspend or cancel it unilaterally. Respecting these agreements maintains industrial peace, but violating them sets the stage for workplace conflict,” he contended.
He criticized what he called “prolonged delays” by the Ministry of Labor in addressing reported CBA violations at RLJ Kendeja Resort and Villas, Sethi Ferro Fabrik, and National Beverages, describing the delays as “a betrayal of workers’ trust.”
Concerns Over Increased Work Permit Fees
Wallace also spoke against the Ministry’s recent decision to raise alien work permit fees from US$1,000 to US$3,000, arguing that the increase was more about “revenue generation” than promoting employment for Liberians.
While NUHACE supports Liberianization, raising fees alone does not secure jobs for Liberians,” he asserted.
According to him, foreign workers, especially Indians and Lebanese, continue to occupy jobs that qualified Liberians can perform, thus urging that the Ministry must focus on enforcement, not just collecting money.
Calls for Accountability and Action
The NUHACE President accused some labor administrators of prioritizing personal interests and using political connections to avoid accountability.
“For too long, public officials in the labor sector have placed their selfish interests above the welfare of the workers they are supposed to serve
Some even brag of being untouchable because of their proximity to the Minister or the Executive Mansion,” the NUHACE stated.
He called on Labor Minister Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah to take immediate action to restore public confidence in the Ministry’s commitment to fair labor practices.
He warned that if the issues remain unresolved, NUHACE will have no other options but to take its concerns to President Joseph N. Boakai and the National Legislature.
“Workers Are the Creators of Wealth”
The NUHACE President then rallied to call for solidarity among workers and unions across Liberia.
“It is by the sweat, brains, and muscles of ordinary workers that the wheels of this country turn. Workers are the creators of wealth and must benefit from their creation. This narrative of exploitation must change to ensure dignity, freedom, and justice for all workers.”
The NUHACE leader reaffirmed the union’s commitment to “promoting, protecting, and defending the labor rights and dignity of workers across all sectors without fear or favor.”
The National Union of Hospitality, Aviation, Communication and Energy Workers (NUHACE) was established in 2018 under the umbrella of the Liberia Labor Congress (LLC). The union advocates for improved working conditions, respect for labor rights, and adherence to international conventions ratified by Liberia.
All efforts to get both Minister Rufus Saylee, and Director Dominic Wreh proved futile despite efforts by this paper to have them speak to the issue. Several calls were placed to both officials, but they failed to answer up to press time.
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