Firestone Workers Laud Labour Minister For CBA Benefits

By Precious D. Freeman
Over four thousand workers of Firestone Plantation Company have expressed their gratitude to the Minister of Labor, Cooper W. Kruah, for his pivotal role in securing what they described as “huge fringe benefits” through their recently renegotiated Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The workers’ commendation came after the successful completion of a three-month negotiation process, which was personally overseen by Minister Kruah.
The president of the Firestone Workers’ Union, Rodennic Bongorlee delivered a statement of thanks on behalf of the workforce during separate remarks following the formal signing of the CBA.
The agreement, which was finalized recently, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing relationship between the plantation workers and the management of Firestone.
Bongorlee acknowledged the critical role of the Labor Minister in guiding the workers through the complex negotiation process.
He emphasized that under Kruah’s leadership, the workers were able to achieve substantial improvements in their fringe benefits, particularly in the area of retirement packages.
“Through the intervention of Minister Kruah, we have secured at least fifty percent of our retirement benefits directly from management at the time of retirement,” Bongorlee stated.
He further explained that this provision would allow workers to access a significant portion of their benefits before embarking on the often lengthy and cumbersome process of receiving benefits from the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP).
The new CBA also includes several other key provisions designed to improve the welfare of Firestone workers, including enhanced healthcare benefits, improved working conditions, and better job security.
Minister Kruah, who was present at the signing ceremony, praised the collaboration between the workers and management and reiterated his commitment to supporting fair labor practices across Liberia.
“This agreement is a testament to what can be achieved when both parties—workers and employers—work together with a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect,” Kruah said. “I will continue to advocate for the rights of all workers to ensure that they receive the benefits and protections they deserve.”
The successful renegotiation of the CBA has been hailed as a major victory for the Firestone workers, who have long fought for better conditions and more substantial benefits.
The new agreement is expected to have a positive impact on the workers’ lives, providing greater financial security as they approach retirement.
With the conclusion of this important negotiation, the Firestone workers remain hopeful that their newfound benefits will set a precedent for labor negotiations in other sectors of Liberia’s economy.