By Precious D. Freeman
Labour Minister Cooper Kruah has successfully resolved a major labor dispute between workers of the Firestone Rubber Plantation and its management, paving the way for improved working conditions and a more stable work environment.
The resolution was finalized during the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) over the weekend in Monrovia.
The agreement brought together representatives from the Firestone Workers Union and the company’s management to address long-standing issues that have plagued workers for years.
The breakthrough comes after a major labor crisis erupted at Firestone on January 30, 2025, when thousands of employees staged a mass walkout, citing poor wages and harsh working conditions.
The strike effectively shut down production and disrupted key departments, including engineering, administration, and manufacturing.
Cllr. Kruah emphasized the importance of dialogue and negotiation in resolving labor disputes. “Let’s resolve our differences at the table. This is a classic example of that,” he said.
“We’ve been working on this for the past month, encouraging both sides to engage in constructive dialogue. Today, we have found common ground, and this signing marks a turning point.”
A key resolution outlined in the agreement is an end to subcontracting, which has been a major source of tension among workers.
Kruah cautioned Firestone’s management to suspend subcontracting, noting its negative impact on long-serving employees.
“When people work for a company for up to 20 years and then become subcontractor employees, it creates serious implications. We need to fully understand why this is happening before it continues,” Kruah stated.
The new agreement also includes increases in wages, improved retirement benefits, and better overtime compensation.
Cllr. Kruah expressed hope that these changes would lead to lasting improvements for Firestone’s workforce.
The Secretary General of the Liberia Labor Congress, Marcus Blama, praised the Labour Minister for his leadership in resolving the crisis.
“Retirement benefits have been a long-standing issue for Firestone workers, who make up one of the largest labor forces in Liberia. With this agreement, workers will now receive 50 percent of their wages upon retirement,” Blama said.
Speaking on behalf of Firestone’s management, Richard Fallah, Public Relations Officer of the Firestone Rubber Company, thanked the Ministry of Labour and the workers for finding a peaceful resolution.
“This agreement helps us avoid disruptions and ensures that both the company and its workers can operate in a harmonious atmosphere,” Fallah said.
The agreement marks a significant step toward improving labor relations at Firestone, setting a framework for continued cooperation and fair treatment of workers.
The Ministry of Labour has pledged to monitor the implementation of the agreement to ensure that both parties uphold their commitments.