Monrovia, Liberia – Alarming allegations of labor abuse and hazardous working conditions at the China Road and Bridge Corporation’s (CRBC) overhead bridge building project in Monrovia have prompted a thorough investigation by Liberia’s Labor Minister, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah Sr.
The action is a fresh attempt by the government to impose workplace regulations on large-scale infrastructure projects. Minister Kruah accompanied a group of senior labor inspectors to the project site early on Monday morning, November 17, 2025, marking the start of the investigation.
The visit came after many employees complained about what they described as “harsh” and “unfair” treatment from managers. Minister Kruah saw a number of concerning behaviors during the inspection tour, such as workers’ total lack of protective clothing and safety boots.
Many employees worked in dangerous areas without gloves, helmets, or sturdy shoes. Employees took advantage of the chance to address the minister directly with their concerns.They said, they were frequently refused pay payroll records, which compelled them to take cash payments without disclosing their earnings or deductions.
A few disclosed that they had put in extra time without getting paid. “We don’t receive pay slips. We are paid hand to hand without knowing how much we actually earn. We work overtime without pay,” several workers lamented, hoping the minister’s intervention would bring relief.
Minister Kruah was shocked by the findings and promptly directed CRBC management to address any labor misconduct. He ordered that safety equipment be provided right away, and unpaid overtime be fully compensated, and that pay slips be issued to all employees going forward.
The minister emphasized that even while CRBC is essential to Liberia’s national development plan, especially when it comes to building roads and bridges, the company must adhere to the Decent Work Act. He cautioned that Liberia’s labor laws apply to all entities. The Ministry of Labor is to protect the interests of all parties involved in the labor field, Kruah reminded both employees and management.
“When you have issues, call us we will come. When workers have issues, they should also call us. We are here to maintain peace and protect everyone’s rights,” he stated.
The unexpected inspection was a component of a larger government initiative to punish businesses that violated the nation’s labor laws. Since the beginning of the year, the Ministry of Labor has increased its oversight due to growing concerns over purported worker benefit cuts by foreign contractors and subcontractors.
The minister’s involvement was hailed by locals and observers at the construction site, who said they had long seen employees working in hazardous conditions with little supervision. The ministry’s prompt action has also been commended by a number of labor advocates. They claimed that the inspection shows that workers’ grievances won’t be disregarded and would inspire other workers nationwide to report infractions.
Despite being caught off guard, CRBC representatives pledged to completely comply with the ministry’s instructions and continuing investigation. However, the Minister stated that visits will be made to make sure compliance is maintained throughout the project rather than just being transitory.
If it is determined that CRBC deliberately violated labor laws, further penalties may be imposed. The Ministry of Labor has stated that its investigation is still ongoing. As development continues on one of Monrovia’s most important infrastructure projects, the ministry’s intervention is being perceived as a powerful message that the government is emphasizing worker safety, rights, and dignity.
Many Liberians are now keeping an eye on whether CRBC would comply with the minister’s demands or suffer repercussions under the country’s reinforced labor enforcement framework.
Credit: Figo Mansaray
