By Augustine Octavius, augustineoctavius@gmail.com
The Liberia Labor Congress has described the retirement of 480 health workers by the ruling CDC government, in the wake of the deadly Coronavirus as untimely and counterproductive to the fight against disease.
Health workers are among those struck by COVID-19 in Liberia, with the number of confirmed cases put at 79, as per the April 17, 2020 Update from the National Public Health Institute of Liberia. Seven persons have died so far from the virus.
Health workers currently on the frontline in the fight against the killer virus are being stretched both as regards manpower and little or no Protective Equipment (PPEs) and other vital materials. Many of them have complained to the local media and expressed fears about their safety.
The Labour Congress’ Secretary General, David Sacko called on President George Weah to re-instate these retired men and women from the health sector in order to join hands in combating the silent killer.
Addressing a press conference in the Township of Gardnerville recently, Mr. Sackor also admonished the government to remain engaged with the leadership of the National Health Workers Union of Liberia on issues affecting their members in fighting the corona virus.
The Liberia Labor Congress Secretary General is encouraging the government to serious look at the plight of people living with disabilities especially during the period of national health emergency.
Mr. Sackor is appealing to employers in the private sector such as hotels, restaurants, entertainment and informal working centers to respect the rights of their employees by giving some of their salaries and food stuff to survive during the lockdown in the country.
According to Mr. Sackor, the Liberia Labor Congress has received reports from workers employed in hotels, restaurants and informal sectors that they were sent home without that salaries and subsidies to up keep them and their families during this lockdown.
The Labour Congress expressed support for the action of President George Weah for his far sightedness and swiftness to protect citizens and foreign residents from falling prey to the covid-19 pandemic which has outraged world powerful countries including the super powers.
“We use this medium to advice all workers to abide by the preventive health protocols prescribed by local and international health expects from the World Health Organization and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia by observing social distance and regular hand washing.”
He thanked the government for paying vast majority of civil servants up to date in this difficult time and encourage workers to allow due deductions in order to empower their respective leaders carry out their activities and functions in the best interest of the due paying workers.
The LLC also encouraged the private sectors employers, especially hotels, restaurants and entertainment centers to respect workers’ rights and pay them for the work done before the state of emergency