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Workers claim Indian Duraplast Recycling Plant in “bad labor practices”

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By Anthony Stephens, Contributing Writer

Workers of the Indian-owned Duraplast Recycling Plant in the Liberian capital, Monrovia say they are working under slave-like conditions, accusing their management of bad labor practices.

But the management is yet to respond to the claim.

In an interview with the local independent Power TV News over the weekend, the workers claimed they work overtime without pay, medical benefits, leave as well as appropriate working equipment, such as gloves, boots and masks.

Many of the Duraplast workers claimed they were hired as contractors, with a promise of later employment but are yet to be employed, earning US$91 subject to a tax deduction.

The workers said although they were threatened by their management not to talk to the media, they violated the order so as to seek the intervention of President George Weah.

They pleaded with the new Liberian leader to visit the plant and get firsthand information on their working conditions.

But when contacted, the management of the Indian-owned company promised to formally respond to the claims this Monday.

In February 2015, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf formally dedicated the Duraplast Recycling Plant.

Allegations of bad labor practices have rocked Liberia’s labor sector for years, with past administrations standing accused of failing to address them.

But pressure continues to mount on the new CDC-led government of President Weah to clean up the sector.

One analyst says the administration, which came to power with a popular mandate promising a pro-poor agenda, must begin to take concrete actions to maintain its base and signal its determination to restructure the sector.

Last week, President Weah appointed former Lofa County Representative, Moses Kollie as Labour Minister designate pending Senate confirmation.

It remains to be seen how he deals with these early challenges that are coming out of the trouble-prone sector.

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