PHOTO: Isaac Grant, Labour Congress Secretary General
The Liberia Labor Congress has called on the management of the Roberts International Airport (RIA) in Margibi County to rescind its decision to suspend over 20 employees of the that entity and turn them over to the National Security Agency for investigation.
Recently, the management of the RIA announced the suspension of over 20 employees of the entity for their involvement in the prevention of the an international flight in protest of the outsourcing of their department without their knowledge, benefits and salary arrears
Addressing a press conference in Monrovia during the weekend, the Congress’ Secretary General, Isaac Grant said the LLC is disturbed by the fact that the dispute has not been resolved as a result of a successful social dialogue conference. This would address the contentious issues raised by the workers, the management and providing guarantees for labor harmony and workers security at the airport.
He added that it is disappointing to see the RIA management clamping down on workers by issuing unjustified and indefinite suspensions to over 20 workers at the entity.
According to Mr. Grant, the LLC views the action of the management of the RIA as a gross disregard for the essence of social dialogue mechanism, which is the fundamental to the promotion of sanity at workplace and fragrant disrespect to the authority of the Ministry Labor.
Based on this back ground, Mr. Grant went on, the LLC is calling on the Ministry of Labor to take seize of this matter and remain engage with the management of the RIA in keeping with the commitment made during the social dialogue conference in the interest of peace and tranquility
The LLC reminded Minister Nathaniel McGill of the promise he made to the workers on December 30, 2021 that he will ensure that no worker will be dismissed on account of their role in the go-slow action. .
Meanwhile, the congress also expressed concern about situation unfolding at the Bea Mountain Mining Company involving workers, management and community over the company’s failure to implement several key development initiatives as contained in the memorandum of understanding .
According to him, the LLC is deeply unhappy about the employment of foreigners in unskilled jobs earmarked for inhabitant of the community in which the company is operating.
The LLC welcomed the intervention of the joint ministerial committee to resolve the matter, so as to implement the terms of the mineral development agreement. Report by Augustine Octavius, augustineoctavius@gmail.com