By Precious D. Freeman
Labor Minister Cooper Kruah has mandated the management of Sethi Brothers to take immediate steps in addressing the challenges faced by Liberian workers at the company.
The minister emphasized the need for capacity-building programs that would enable Liberians to acquire the necessary skills to replace foreign workers in key positions.
Minister Kruah made these remarks during his ongoing nationwide tour, which began in 2024, to assess labor conditions at concession companies across the country.
During his visit to Sethi Brothers, he highlighted several critical issues, including the lack of insurance and medical benefits, inadequate protective gear, and the absence of proper training for Liberian employees.
According to the Labor Minister, after three years, 30 percent of positions at the company should have transitioned to Liberians.
However, he noted that this has not been implemented. “Right now, the warehouse manager is an Indian, the deputy warehouse manager is an Indian, and all of the managers are Indian,” Kruah pointed out. “If the warehouse manager is foreign, then at least the deputy should be a Liberian. We will give you time to transition to allow Liberians to take over some of these positions.”
Minister Kruah also raised concerns about the fact that some workers who have been with the company for more than three years do not have National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) ID cards.
Without these, he warned, injured workers may not receive necessary assistance from NASSCORP if they resign or become unable to work. “We must ensure that all workers here for more than two to three years have NASSCORP ID cards so they can access benefits when needed,” he stated.
Additionally, the minister criticized the company for keeping workers in part-time positions for more than two years without transitioning them to full employment.
“There are about 40 part-time workers who have been here for over two years without being moved to full employment,” he said. “If a contract worker has been in the job for more than two years, they must be transitioned to full employment to give them confidence and job security.”
Meanwhile, Sethi Brothers Workers’ Union spokesperson Eric Banger echoed the workers’ grievances, urging the company to train and promote Liberians into managerial roles currently occupied by foreigners.
He also highlighted the struggles of casual workers who have been employed for over two years without receiving formal contracts.
Banger further noted that injured workers have not received financial compensation, and many are working without NASSCORP insurance ID cards. “Workers who have been here for years should not be left without social security coverage,” he stressed.
Minister Kruah urged Sethi Brothers’ management to prioritize the welfare of its Liberian workforce, ensuring fair treatment, proper benefits, and career advancement opportunities.
The company is expected to take immediate corrective actions in response to the government’s directives.
