Bong Mines — China Union workers staged an indefinite strike on Tuesday over alleged bad labor practices and working conditions.
By Jaivey Yawah, Margibi County
The workers claim they were forced to resort to industrial action after management refused to address their grievances.
Over 80 workers staged a sit-in at the company’s gate, vowing not to report for work until their concerns are addressed.
They locked the main entrances at about 7:00 am and blocked vehicles carrying staff to the mine.
“We want the company to uphold the agreement in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) entered into in 2015,” said the China Union Workers Union’s Chairman, Edward S. Nimmo.
Nimmo told reporters that the company and workers union agreed in the CBA to provide tuition fees of US$100 for each child of an employee, medical benefits for employees and dependents, and provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
“The issue of PPE is crucial, and we are demanding that the company provide it for the safety of its workers, but the company has failed to address these concerns despite persistent calls,” Mr. Nimmo disclosed.
The China Union Workers Union alleged that the company is deducting NASSCORP income tax but has refused to remit such funds to the NASSCORP authority on behalf of employees.
“It is crucial that the company adheres to the partnership relationship from all sides, and this is what will enable us to solve the problems related to the collective agreement,” Mr. Nimmo noted.
Another worker told FPA that as part of improving working conditions, the company needs to address the issue of failing to provide safe drinking water for employees during working hours, housing facilities, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
When contacted, China Union Public Relations Officer, Morris K. Tate, acknowledged the workers’ claims but blamed them on what he calls ‘low cash flow’ due to the reported decline in the price of iron ore on the global market.
Tate said since China Union scaled down its operations in 2017, it has not been actively involved in mining activities at its site in Liberia, which has caused low cash flow and has significantly affected the company’s operations in Liberia.
He, however, maintained that China Union is taking the workers’ concerns seriously and promised that the company would look into these concerns and ensure that the right actions are taken in the workers’ interest.
Meanwhile, representatives from the Government of Liberia, China Union, and the China Union workers’ leadership, after long hours of dialogue, agreed to meet with China Union’s Chief Executive Official (CEO) on Wednesday to find amicable ways to address the workers’ concerns.
