By Precious D. Freeman
The Supreme Court has ruled that the management of the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), settles all outstanding benefits owed to over 200 former Liberian employees.
The High Court upheld the trial judge’s initial ruling, confirming GTZ’s liability for overtime compensation but with certain modifications.
The case has been remanded to the trial court, which has been instructed to forward it to the hearing officer of the Ministry of Labour.
The hearing officer will recalculate the overtime benefits for the former employees using the formula established in the High Court’s ruling.
This ruling, delivered during the October 2024 term, marks the culmination of a legal battle that began in 2008.
The appeal sought judicial review of the case against GTZ management, which had been accused of unfair labor practices.
“Wherefore, and in view of the foregoing, the ruling of the trial judge holding the appellant liable for overtime pay is affirmed; however, this matter is remanded to the trial court with instructions to forward it to the hearing officer to calculate the overtime benefits of the appellees in accordance with the formula outlined herein. The Clerk of this court is ordered to send a mandate to the presiding judge in the lower court to resume jurisdiction and proceed in line with the judgment of this opinion. Costs are ruled against the appellant. And it is hereby ordered,” read an excerpt from the Supreme Court’s ruling.
In response to the verdict, spokesperson for the former employees, Joe Gborie, welcomed the decision, calling it a significant step toward justice in Liberia.
He emphasized that the ruling should serve as a deterrent to companies and institutions that mistreat workers in the country.
“We have fought for this for years, and today justice has been served,” Gborie stated.
He noted that the employees had long advocated for severance pay, as they were employed under fixed-term contracts but were declared redundant before their contracts expired.
Gborie argued that the employer should not have terminated their services prematurely.
The ruling reinforces Liberia’s labor laws and the protection of workers’ rights, sending a strong message to employers about fair labor practices in the country.
The decision now awaits implementation as the Ministry of Labour proceeds with the recalculations of the owed benefits