The Ministry of Labor, workers’ representatives and the management of Arcelor Mittal Liberia have been engaged to address the ongoing strike action that has brought AML operations to a halt at the company’s Operations sites in Nimba and Grand Bassa Counties.
In light of the current situation, the Ministry of Labor has issued a directive calling for an immediate end to the strike actions and the prompt return to work by all employees of AML.
The Ministry’s directive is also in line with the Liberia National Labor Court’s order for an immediate end to the strike by the workers’ union of Arcelor Mittal Liberia and a Stay Order, instructing all parties to return to Status Quo Ante, pending the determination of the matter.
The strike actions that took place simultaneously at the two operations sites on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, stemming from concerns over salary disparities and the need for salary increments.
Recognizing the right of workers to voice their grievances and the importance of fair compensation, Labor Minister Charles Gibson has been actively involved in the negotiations between the workers and management.
Minister Gibson reminded the workers’ union that any strike or industrial action must be in accordance with the Decent Work Act and the laws of Liberia.
In early December of 2022, the Ministry of Labor met the Management of Arcelor Mittal Liberia and the workers represented by their mother Union, the United Workers Union of Liberia (UWUL) to resolve the concerns of the workers that had been for over two years.
Cllr. Gibson facilitated the discussions and ensured that all parties had an opportunity to express their concerns and found a common ground to avoid future occurrences.
The management of Arcelor Mittal Liberia is fully aware of the issues raised by the employees and acknowledges the importance of addressing them; however, the company stated that it faces financial challenges that limit its ability to implement immediate salary increments.
The company committed to engage in further discussions and exploring potential solutions to the existing disparities
The Ministry of Labor encourages the employees at Arcelor Mittal Liberia to return to work as a sign of good faith and commitment to finding a resolution that is by resuming work, the employees can ensure the continuity of operations, protect jobs, and contribute to the economic growth of Liberia.
According to Minister Gibson, the Ministry of Labor remains committed to facilitating a fair and transparent negotiation process.
He noted that the ministry will continue to engage with both the workers and the management to ensure all concerns is adequately addressed and further explained that the Government of Liberia is dedicated to upholding the rights of the workers while also supporting conducive business environment to promote growth and development.
After an intense meeting between the Management of Arcelor Mittal Liberia and the workers’ representatives on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at the Ministry of Labor in Monrovia, Minister Gibson calls for an immediate end to the strike action and urges the employees of Arcelor Mittal Liberia to return to work in line with the Resident Judge of the National Labor Court who also ordered the return and release of all Arcelor Mittal assets including keys to equipment seized by the workers’ union within the next 24 hours.
Minister Gibson further said that, the government of Liberia is confident that through open dialogue and collaboration, a satisfactory resolution can be reached to address the concerns raised by the workers.
He emphasizes the importance of fair compensation while considering the financial constraints faced by the company while emphasizing the need for togetherness, stating the Ministry of Labor, workers, and management can work towards a mutually beneficial agreement that will safeguard the interests of Arcelor Mittal Liberia employees, their management, and the government of Liberia.
