Monrovia – The Association of Liberia Human Resource Professionals (ALHRP) has called for sweeping reforms in Liberia’s labour sector, urging the government to declare May 1 as a national holiday in recognition of workers’ contributions to national development.

By Selma Lomax selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com

In a statement commemorating International Labour Day, ALHRP emphasized that the struggles faced by workers globally — and in Liberia —should not be ignored. 

The organization described the day as a symbol of unity and resilience, born from the historic fight for fair wages, decent working conditions, and workplace justice. ALHRP said it is time for Liberia to take bold steps that reflect these values and uplift the nation’s workforce.

The association expressed concern that, despite constitutional guarantees, many Liberian workers continue to face poor pay, unsafe working conditions, job insecurity, and discrimination. Article 18 of the Liberian Constitution grants equal employment opportunities regardless of background, yet disparities remain entrenched. ALHRP cited recent World Bank data showing that women globally earn just 77 cents for every dollar earned by men, calling for stronger enforcement of equal pay laws in Liberia.

Youth unemployment was also highlighted as a critical challenge. While official statistics place the unemployment rate for young Liberians at 2.13 percent, ALHRP argued that this figure conceals widespread underemployment and informal work. Many young people are stuck in part-time or unstable jobs with little security or opportunity for growth. The group called for investments in vocational training, job creation, and education systems that match market demands.

One of the key issues raised was the country’s dual labour system. The private sector operates under the Decent Work Act, while public service is governed by the Civil Service Standing Orders. ALHRP warned that this split has created inconsistencies in benefits, grievance handling, and severance pay. The group called on the government to harmonize these frameworks into a single standard that guarantees fairness and equality for all workers, regardless of sector.

The association also stressed the need to make workplaces more inclusive for persons with disabilities. It noted that many qualified individuals are excluded from employment due to inaccessible environments and discriminatory practices. ALHRP urged employers to create inclusive spaces where all Liberians can contribute and thrive.

A strong warning was issued against the culture of patronage and favoritism in employment. The group said merit should be the basis for promotions and appointments, not personal connections. This practice, they noted, is undermining professionalism and discouraging competent workers.

ALHRP also renewed its call for May 1 to be declared a national holiday in Liberia. The group said that over 160 countries already recognize International Labour Day with a public holiday and questioned why Liberia continues to treat it as an ordinary workday. Making the day a holiday, the group argued, would be a sign of national appreciation and provide an opportunity for reflection and dialogue between workers and employers.

In closing, the association urged all actors in Liberia’s labour ecosystem to play their part in reforming the system. The government must lead with policy changes, employers must ensure fair treatment, workers must stay professional and assert their rights, and HR professionals must uphold ethical standards. ALHRP called on all Liberians to reject discrimination and build a society where dignity in labour is not optional, but foundational.

Monrovia – Mrs. Joyce Johnson Dolo, Assistant Commissioner for Human Resource at the Liberian Revenue Authority has challenged Human Resource professionals in Liberia to trumpet their work if they are to achieve their goals.

Speaking at a Performance Management and Retention Strategies training session, last Saturday, August 20, 2016, Mrs. Johnson-Dolo declared:

“We as HR professionals are the guardians of the most important assets of our organizations.

We must therefore continuously educate Senior Management and staff alike of our role as strategic partners, the need to be seated at the table. Only then, will we achieve our goal and will management realize the value we add to the org achieving its goals.”

The program was the Association of Liberian Human Resource Professionals (ALHRP) 4th Members Development Training Session.

The training session brought together more than 40 Human Resources Professionals from various sectors with the goal of continuing it commitment to developing both its members and interested HR practitioners in Liberia.

Core HR topics presented were Performance Management and Retention strategies which looked at the continuous process of performance management and the strategic role of Human Resource (HR) as a business support partner.

Mr. T. Nelson Williams who serves on the Board of Advisors for the ALHRP also called on the public and private sector organizations to begin reaping the benefits of the association by obtaining corporate membership and allowing their HR staff to enhance their professional and leadership skills.

Mr. Williams also indicated that the ALHRP is an outlet to share international best practices and latest developments in the Liberia Labor Law and stressed on the fact that the ALHRP is the number one and only HR community in Liberia today.

Established in 2014 and officially launched in June 2015, the ALHRP for nearly two years has been the leading provider of hands on human resources training and serving the needs of Human Resources Professionals, students, and volunteers in Liberia and advancing the practice of human resource management across the country.

Current President of the Association, Jonah S. Kotee said “ALHRP is a premiere association established in Liberia for Liberian HR professionals around the world.  It is a thriving community of professionals who are making an impact in the public and private sector. We look forward to more capacity development seminars for our members.

Vice President for Membership, Mrs. Brenda Brewer Moore encouraged visiting HR professionals at the training session to officially join the HR body to reap the full benefits of being a registered member, including ready support from experienced professionals, regular trainings and access to useful local applicable templates.

For more information on the association and how you can become a registered member send an email to alhrp2013@gmail.com