Monrovia — Labor Minister-designate, Cooper Kruah, has vowed to ensure the provision of more jobs and a decent working environment for Liberian workers in the country.
By Obediah Johnson
According to him, appropriate take-home pay for equal work and the general wellbeing of Liberians will be the “prime highlight” of his administration.
He gave the assurance when he appeared for confirmation before the Senate Committee on Labor on Friday, February 16.
Counselor Kruah noted that though the ministry, under his watch, would encourage the involvement and participation of foreign businesses in the Liberian economy, the safety, welfare and prosperity of Liberians will be an optimal priority.
He said his administration will make sure that job placement or vacancies at major companies and other investment entities are occupied by qualified Liberians in keeping with the Mineral Development Agreements (MDAs) signed with the government and consistent with the Labor Law of Liberia.
“It’s going to be a Liberia first agenda. Qualified Liberian citizens will most differently be provided with opportunities as they compete on the job market with foreign companies or partners,” he said.
Counselor Kruah maintained that no Liberian employee will be paid less than the minimum wage and additional money would be paid to workers for staying on the job overtime.
He observed that most often, Liberian workers are made to work for extra hours without being paid for the services they rendered at various companies and businesses operating in the country.
This unfair labor practice, he said, would be addressed upon his confirmation.
“If you allow somebody to work beyond eight hours as prescribed by the labor law, you are supposed to pay them for overtime. The workers are entitled to it. But sometimes, they do not pay.”
Counselor Kruah further assured that no company will unilaterally reduce her workforce without the involvement or consent of the ministry.
He added that any company downsizing or reducing the salaries of its employees or workers would provide convincing justifications that would be endorsed by the ministry.
He maintained that the prolong contractor status normally given to Liberian workers by owners of various local and foreign companies will also be looked at critically.
Counselor Kruah, however, pointed out that a database will also be created and maintained to enroll all foreign workers at businesses operating in the country for the smooth conduct of meticulous audit and the timely collection of work permit fees into the coffers of the government.
He noted that no foreigner would be allowed to work in Liberia without obtaining a work permit from the government.
He said steps will be taken to curb child prostitution and pornography in the society through investment in human capacity to prepare citizens for the job market.
Counselor Kruah stated that a skilled workforce, especially among young people, would help encourage investment in the post-conflict nation.
He further vowed to collectively work with international parties to ensure a more comprehensive support, partnership and collaboration for the sustenance of the vibrancy of the Liberian labor sector.
‘We must as a government build and maintain strong international development t partnership because, in my investment opinion, building and maintaining strong international development partnership with other countries, international organizations and global investors will cement our labor environment and help our country.”