Buchanan, Grand Bassa County – Liberia’s Ministry of Labor has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights. Assistant Labor Minister Emmanuel Barnes said the government, through the Labor ministry, is still implementing practical measures to seek the welfare and protection of Liberian workers nationwide during the 6th collective bargaining agreement signing ceremony between ArcelorMittal Liberia and the United Workers Union in Grand Bassa County.
He stressed that while it is important to protect workers, it is also equally significant to safeguard the investment of partners who have come to do business in the country.
At the signing ceremony, Mr. Barnes spoke on behalf of Labor Minister Cllr. Cooper Kruah and took the opportunity to urge AML Management to abide by the CBA’s terms and conditions.He urged the corporation to reduce the number of subcontractors, adding that when this is done, it will assist the great majority of contractors in becoming full-time employees, which will allow them to use the new CBA.
As an assistant minister who supports everyone and is well-versed in the industry and its operations, Assistant Minister Barnes was also quick to caution the staff against making fictitious claims outside of the CBA’s agreed-upon parameters. He underlined that this is unethical and ought to be discouraged for the benefit of the industry and the nation as a whole, Barnes is convinced that all sides will uphold the CBA.
Over the years, CBA has shown to be a powerful tool that management and staff can use to ensure compliance and best practices in a fair labor sector or environment.
As the Ministry of Labor is working harder to improve the working conditions and environment of people in order to reduce, if not eradicate, such old age practices, Assistant Labor Minister Emmanuel Barnes is confident that said issue is being critically examined. However, full implementation as well as violations from either party over the period in the sector have been a serious challenge.
The government, through the Ministry of Labor, has guaranteed the public that the rights and welfare of Liberian workers will be protected while it works harder to increase job possibilities for its citizens in the aftermath of the country’s high unemployment rate.
Reported by: Prince Saah
