The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Labor has succeeded in negotiating a reduction in the price of rice for workers of the Firestone Rubber Plantation Company.
It can be recalled that in the last three months, disagreement ensued between the Management of the Firestone Plantation and the workers represented by their Mother Union National Timer, Wood, Construction, and Allied Workers Union (NTWCAWUL), over the price of rice being issued to the workers.
Following a series of social dialogue meetings with the Labor Minister Charles H. Gibson, he promised to lead a negotiation with the supplier of the rice “SWAT Inc.
Addressing the worker’s representatives of various sections and departments of the company on Thursday, March 16, 2023, in Harbel, Firestone, Labor Minister Gibson informed the workers that the government has succeeded in negotiating the reduction of US$ 1 from the price of rice being issued to the workers by management.
He said despite other costs named by the supplier to deliver the rice to Firestone including storage, SWAT has agreed to make the sacrifice to reduce the price by a dollar, which means that the workers will now pay US$33 instead of US$34 for 100-pound bag of rice.
Minister Gibson said the reduction will save workers over US$ 8,000 monthly and US$ 100,000 annually.
He said all efforts applied during the negotiation were in the interest of workers and is thankful that there is a soft landing for both sides in that management and workers’ leaders have welcomed the agreement.
The Labor Minister congratulated the workers of Firestone for advocating the interest of the members and the cordial relations.
Speaking further, Minister Gibson expressed thanks to trade unions in Liberia for keeping the labor market peaceful, noting that it is due to the policy of the Government of Liberia that there hasn’t been any major labor unrest in the country.
He spoke of efforts being made by the Ministry of labor to improve the labor sector including the provision of logistics to ensure the inspection of all workplaces for the promotion of safety at work and decent work.
He also assured workers that the Government of President George M. Weah does not take the interest of workers lightly and as such he will do all to ensure that the rights of workers and employers are protected.
Meanwhile, both the Management of the Firestone and the Workers’ Union welcomed the intervention from the Government in the reduction of the price of rice for workers and hailed Minister Gibson for his intervention and promotion of peace at the plantation.
