By Solomon T. Gaye
Cocopa Plantations seems like a no-go-zone in wake of workers’ protest in demand of salary, and good working condition, among other things.
The workers’ recent demonstration that lead to setting up of road block was a wake-up call to claim government attention stressing, “We are calling on the government to probe our complaint filed against management on its failure to pay workers’ salary and other benefits.”
According to the aggrieved workers, the management of the Plantation owes workers some 15-month salary and other benefits and that many of the staff are no more living at the Plantation for fear.
Since the beginning of February 2024, reports of demonstrations in demand of salary, salary arrears and good working conditions, have been the order of the day and a common practice.
On April 9, 2024, Cocopa workers block Saclepea Highway for several hours in demands of salary payment, job benefits including rice among others.
During March 2024, Cocopa workers union wrote the county administration informing them about planned demonstrations at the Plantation on Wednesday April 10, 2024.
When contacted the Cocopa Human Resource, Gondah Nenwah via mobile phone, he confirmed that the entire Plantations is deserted by the workers.
“As I speak with you, the factory is closed, workers are demanding salary payment and rice distributions, among other issues and that, the staff are afraid to come to work for fear of being attacked,” Gondah disclosed.
When the Nimba Police Commander, Lamine Mendee, was contacted, he assured that calm has returned to Cocopa after PSU intervention noting, “We used community Police method; we used persuasive method to remove the road block.”
“The county administration, the joint security, along with the company staff, should have met the workers to probe into the issue to find a common ground,” Commander Lamine revealed.
