Calls For An End To The Days Of Strike Action
By Augustine Octavius, augustineoctavius@gmail.com
Workers of the largest iron ore mining company in Liberia, ArcelorMittal have been continuing their strike action over the past few days against what they called poor working condition and demand for pay rise.
As the strike continued over the weekend, the Ministry of Labour officials met with workers’ representatives, and the AML management to negotiate a way out of the industrial unrest at the company’s facilities both in Nimba and Grand Bassa County.
The strike action has brought AML’s operations to a halt at the company’s operations sites in Nimba and Grand Bassa Counties, and the Labour Ministry has called for an end to it.
In light of the current situation, the Ministry of Labour has issued a directive calling for an immediate end to the strike actions and the prompt return to work by all employees of AML.
Labour Min. Cllr. Charles Gibson
The ministry’s directive is also in line with the Labor Court’s order for an immediate end to the strike by the workers’ union of Arcelor Mittal Liberia and a stay order, instructing all parties to return to Status Quo Ante, pending the determination of the matter.
It can be recalled that His Honor, Joseph M. Kollie, Resident Judge of the Labor Court last Friday, May 12, 2023 ordered the return to status quo and the release of all Arcelor Mittal assets including keys to equipment seized by the workers’ union within the next twenty-four hours.
The strike actions that took place simultaneously at the two operations sites of Arcelor Mittal Liberia on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, and was initiated by the employees when they informed the ministry about their concerns over salary disparities and the need for salary increments.
While the demands of the workers are acknowledged, it is essential to find a mutually beneficial resolution that takes into account the interests of both the employees and the management.
Recognizing the right of workers to voice their grievances and the importance of fair compensation, Labour Minister Counselor. Charles H. Gibson has been actively involved in mediating negotiations between the workers and management.
Minister Gibson has, however, reminded the workers’ union that any strike or industrial action must be in accordance with the Decent Work Act and the laws of Liberia.
In early December of 2022, the Liberian government through the Ministry of Labour met with the management of Arcelor Mittal Liberia and the workers represented by their mother union, the United Workers Union of Liberia UWUL to resolve the concerns of the workers that have been standing for over two years.
Labour Minister Counselor Gibson facilitated the discussions to ensure that all parties have an opportunity to express their concerns and find common ground to avoid future occurrences.
The management of Arcelor Mittal Liberia is fully aware of the issues raised by the employees and acknowledges the importance of addressing them.
However, the company has stated that it faces financial challenges that limit its ability to implement immediate salary increments.
They have committed to engaging in further discussions and exploring potential solutions to the existing disparities
The Liberian government through the Ministry of Labour encourages the employees at Arcelor Mittal Liberia to return to work as a sign of good faith and commitment to finding a resolution.
By resuming work, the employees can ensure the continuity of operations, protect jobs, and contribute to the economic growth of Liberia.
According to Minister Gibson, the Ministry of Labour remains committed to facilitating a fair and transparent negotiation process.
He noted that the ministry will continue to engage with both the workers and the management to ensure all concerns is adequately addressed.
The Labour Minister further explained that the Liberian government is dedicated to upholding the rights of the workers while also supporting a conducive business environment to promote growth and development.
After an intense meeting between the management of Arcelor Mittal Liberia and the workers’ representatives on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at the Ministry of Labour in Monrovia, Minister Gibson called for an immediate end to the strike action and urges the employees of Arcelor Mittal Liberia to return to work.
He said the Liberian government is confident that through open dialogue and collaboration, a satisfactory resolution can be reached to address the concerns raised by the workers.
He emphasized the importance of fair compensation while considering the financial constraints faced by the company while emphasizing the need for togetherness.
According to the minister, Ministry of Labour, workers, and management can work towards a mutually beneficial agreement that will safeguard the interests of ArcelorMittal Liberia employees, their management, and the Liberian government.