Published: January 31, 2025
Margibi County – The entire workforce of Firestone Liberia has halted operations in protest against what they describe as the company’s failure to address their demands despite repeated negotiations.
Firestone Liberia, which operates several key departments, including factory, garage, engineering, new development, education, electrical, and medical services, has come under fire from its employees, who accuse management of disregarding their rights under labor agreements.
Documents obtained by The Liberian Investigator reveal that the Firestone Agricultural Workers’ Union of Liberia (FAWUL), under the umbrella of the National Timber, Wood, Construction, and Allied Workers’ Union of Liberia (NTWCAWU), submitted several demands to management, but the company has allegedly refused to comply.
The workers are demanding that retirement and service benefits be set at one month’s salary for each year served. They are also pushing for an $80 salary increment over three years, beginning with an immediate $40 increase per worker, effective January 1, 2025. An additional $20 increment should take effect on January 1, 2026, with another $20 to follow on January 1, 2027. The workers further insist that the Collective Bargaining Agreement be expanded to cover both permanent and non-permanent employees.
Another key demand is the immediate dismissal of Firestone Liberia’s Human Resources Manager, Mrs. Jacqueline Allison Saye, and Human Resources Director, Cllr. Marion N. Wreh-Socree. The workers accuse both officials of conflict of interest, wrongful dismissals, misleading top management, and poor human relations.
FAWUL Chairman Rodennick M. Borgorlee stated that the workers will not return to their posts unless the Liberian government intervenes. He also accused the company of illegally dismissing workers as part of a broader strategy to reduce its workforce. Instead of retaining full-time employees, Firestone is reportedly hiring contractors who do not have access to company schools, health facilities, and housing.
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