By Grace Q. Bryant
A group known as “Temporary Employment for Community Youth” (TECY) staged a protest early on October 21, at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, demanding the payment of 13 months of unpaid salaries.
The protesters, mostly young workers, expressed their frustration and desperation over the prolonged delay in receiving their wages, which they say has left them unable to support their families, pay rent, or send their children to school.
Win Barclay said each worker is owed a total of US$1,040, based on a promised monthly salary of $80.
TECY, a community-based program aimed at providing temporary employment and empowerment opportunities to the youth in Monrovia, has been awaiting these payments for over a year.
The protesters claim they have been working since August of last year without receiving any compensation.
“We are tired of waiting. We have families to feed, children to send to school, and bills to pay. It’s been 13 months, and we still haven’t seen a cent. The government promised us US$80 a month, but nothing has come through.” Supervisor Barclay said.
The protestors have threatened to continue blocking the entrance to the Ministry of Finance until their demands are met. “We will not leave here until we are paid. The government must take its responsibility seriously.”
According to Barclay, a committee was previously established to address TECY’s claims, consisting of representatives from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Finance, and TECY leadership.
The committee was tasked with investigating the claims and verifying the amount owed.
“We have met with the ministers several times, but they keep sending us back and forth, asking for documents and proof. We have been patient, but enough is enough. We are suffering, and it’s time for the government to act,” he said.
The protestors are calling on the government to honor its commitment and address the situation immediately, stating that over 5,000 workers are affected by the unpaid salaries.
As the standoff continues, there has been no official response from the Ministry of Finance regarding the protest or the group’s demands. TECY workers say they will remain at the ministry until a resolution is reached.
The Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Bryant McGill, assured that the protesters will receive one month pay before this week ends.
