MONROVIA — The United Seamen, Ports and General Workers Union of Liberia (USPOGUL) and the Liberia Shipping and Stevedoring Association (SSAL) have officially signed a two-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) aimed at reducing the working hours of stevedores from 12 to 10 hours, increasing wages, improving working conditions, and enhancing worker welfare, among other benefits.
The formal signing ceremony, held Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Ministry of Labour in Congo Town, was witnessed by the Liberian government through the ministry’s Trade Union Affairs Department.
Elijah D. Nyenkan, secretary-general of USPOGUL; Adam Sayon Washington, president of the Stevedore Section of USPOGUL; and Freeman T. Gueh, president general of USPOGUL, represented the union and signed the agreement. Representing SSAL were Secretary-General Pokolo F.J. Andrewson Jr. and President Daniel F. Tolbert. Assistant Labour Minister for Trade Union Affairs Rufus Saylee officiated the signing on behalf of the government.
The new CBA outlines that all statutory national holidays in Liberia must be observed for stevedore workers. Any stevedore hired to work on these holidays is entitled to double wages, with the exceptions of Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day), July 26 (Independence Day), and Dec. 25 (Christmas Day), when the port is officially closed.
The agreement specifies that stevedores’ responsibilities are limited to loading and unloading vessels and do not include cleaning hatches. USPOGUL’s Stevedore Section is solely responsible for recruiting and assigning stevedores to ensure proper rotation and prevent fatigue-related workplace accidents.
Additionally, only accredited SSAL companies in good standing will receive labor from USPOGUL, and SSAL must exclusively use unionized stevedores provided by USPOGUL.
The CBA grants the union the right to enforce disciplinary measures against its members in consultation with stevedoring companies, especially in cases involving suspension due to violations of safety procedures. Stevedores performing work involving tanks, buffer spaces, scavenging spaces, or handling toxic fumigation materials with appropriate gear are entitled to a compensation rate of $20.
No additional compensation will be provided for extra duty necessitated by emergencies such as vessel safety issues, acts of God, fires, or assisting vessels or persons in danger.
The agreement permits stevedore companies to discharge stevedores for illegal activities, including smuggling, intoxication on board, pilferage, possession of illegal drugs, or other serious violations.
To ensure transparency and timely payments, stevedores must be paid within 10 working days after completing service on a vessel. Delays will result in penalties: $1,000 for 11–16 days, $1,500 for 17–23 days, and $2,000 for 24 days or more, with payroll records submitted to the union.
The categories of wages outlined in the CBA are subject to review at the end of the two-year agreement before negotiating a new contract.
The agreement also specifies that if bad weather is observed at the start of a shift, stevedore gangs may be dismissed without pay within one hour. However, if stevedores are kept on duty beyond that time, they must receive full shift wages.
Compensation for accidents or occupational diseases arising during stevedore duties will be covered under company insurance policies. Stevedore companies must also provide necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with IMO/ILO and applicable national regulations, with PPE renewed every six months.
At the signing ceremony, USPOGUL Secretary-General Elijah D. Nyenkan hailed the CBA as a “milestone achievement” following two years of negotiations. He thanked SSAL’s leadership for its cooperation.
Adam Sayon Washington, president of USPOGUL’s Stevedore Section, called for unity between the institutions to promote workers’ interests and Liberia’s economic growth.
Freeman T. Gueh, USPOGUL’s president general, praised SSAL for its perseverance throughout the challenging negotiations.
Daniel F. Tolbert, president of SSAL, noted the longstanding partnership between the two institutions dating back more than 40 years, stressing the importance of maintaining strong collaboration for future success.
Speaking on behalf of the government, Assistant Minister Rufus Saylee reminded the parties that signing a CBA is only the first step, emphasizing that faithful implementation is crucial to avoid potential labor unrest. He reaffirmed the government’s support for the union and SSAL’s efforts.
The newly signed CBA will be valid for two years, after which both parties will renegotiate its terms and conditions.
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