Published: June 30, 2024
KAKATA, Margibi County – Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) has announced the immediate closure of its operations following a violent protest by workers on Thursday, June 27, 2024. The protest, which involved the ransacking of the company’s administrative headquarters and the destruction of property, was sparked by the management’s alleged refusal to compensate workers for five days of missed work during a previous strike.
In an official memo from SRC’s management, the company cited the violent actions of the workers, which included the manhandling of senior staff, death threats, and the burning of senior staff residential units and vehicles, as reasons for the closure. The memo, dated June 29, 2024, emphasized that operations will remain suspended until further notice.
Background to the Protests
The protests began earlier in the day last Thursday when scores of workers, primarily tappers, staged a demonstration at the SRC plantation. The workers were aggrieved by the management’s alleged failure to mark them present for five days they were absent during a previous protest. This earlier protest had been a response to long-standing grievances over labor conditions, including poor housing, inadequate medical treatment, and unfair labor practices.
The protesters, in their rage, set fire to the administration building, which housed the offices of the general manager and other top staff. While the flames were contained to the NASSCORP office, the damage was significant. The protesters also pelted stones at other buildings, looted bags of rice, and set the Plantation Manager’s home and vehicle on fire.
Police Intervention and Arrests
The Liberia National Police (LNP) intervened to prevent further escalation. A heavy police presence was established, and several individuals were arrested in connection with the arson and looting. Among those arrested were Nowah Gibson, Joseph Tokpah, and Anthony Williams, all of whom were allegedly caught with stolen property from the company’s warehouse.
Workers’ Grievances and Negotiations
The violent protest was the culmination of a series of grievances that the workers had raised over several years. These included demands for better housing, proper medical treatment, the provision of essential tools, and fair compensation. Despite some initial negotiations where the management agreed to address six out of thirteen demands, the situation deteriorated when the management refused to compensate workers for the days lost during their earlier strike.
Union’s Response
Mary Boimah, the first female head of the Salala Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia (SAWUL), expressed her shock at the violent turn of events. She stated that the union had been in final negotiations with the management regarding the payment for the lost days when the situation escalated. Boimah condemned the violence and called for a swift investigation, emphasizing that those responsible should face legal consequences.
Future Steps
With the company’s operations suspended indefinitely, the future of the workers and the SRC remains uncertain. The management has assured that appropriate end-of-service compensation will be paid in accordance with applicable laws. The memo was also copied to the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Labor, and the General Agricultural and Allied Workers Union of Liberia (GAAWUL).
About Salala Rubber Corporation
Salala Rubber Corporation (Salala or the company) is today Liberia’s fourth largest rubber producing and processing company. It produces semi-processed rubber used in the manufacture of tyres. The company represents a merger in July 2007 of a stand alone rubber processing factory (Weala Rubber company) and a stand alone rubber plantation (formerly Salala Rubber Corporation).
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