Stevedores Push for Better Conditions in New Labor Deal

Monrovia – The Stevedores Section of the United Seamen, Ports, and General Workers Union of Liberia (USPOGUL) has presented a four-point demand in its proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to the Shipping and Stevedoring Association of Liberia (SSAL). Central to their demands is a reduction of the current 12-hour shifts to a maximum of eight hours.

Speaking at the opening session of the CBA discussions on Friday, November 22, 2024, in Monrovia, Adam Washington, President of the Stevedores Section of USPOGUL, argued that reducing shift hours would help mitigate various health risks, including back injuries, reproductive health issues, and premature aging, among others.

Mr. Washington revealed that the proposed CBA has already been submitted to APM Terminals following consultations with the union’s 1,500 members.

“We are also demanding a US$10 increase for all stevedores’ unionized positions,” he said, adding that wages have remained stagnant for three years despite APM Terminals increasing their handling charges annually.

The union’s proposal also seeks to establish a standardized wage rate across all ports in Liberia, whether operated by APM Terminals or the National Port Authority (NPA). “When we go to the market, there is no difference in the cost of fish or rice,” Mr. Washington remarked.

Another key issue raised was the delay in wage payments after task completion. Mr. Washington proposed that workers receive their earnings within three working days of completing their assignments to prevent situations where workers are forced to borrow against unpaid wages.

“This CBA is critical because it provides an objective framework for making informed decisions that will benefit our workers and enhance our value,” he said. Mr. Washington emphasized that the agreement is not solely about wage increases but also about improving working conditions for the stevedores.

He noted that the union’s CBAs traditionally span two years but pointed out that the current three-year contract agreement between SSAL and APM Terminals has negatively impacted the workers for over a year and a half.

Freeman Trokon Gueh, President General of USPOGUL, supported Mr. Washington’s stance, asserting that SSAL must not outsource contracts to individuals or entities outside the union’s scope. He warned against scenarios where vessel agents shirk responsibilities such as providing food for workers or addressing workplace accidents. “This time, such practices will not be tolerated,” Mr. Gueh stated firmly.

Responding to the CBA, SSAL President Daniel Tolbert described the union’s demands as constructive and beneficial to all stakeholders. Tolbert pledged SSAL’s full support for the agreement’s implementation, stating, “This is a good move, and you have our 100 percent support.”

He added that any necessary negotiations between the parties would be addressed during stakeholder engagements, stressing that these talks would not come at the expense of the workers’ interests.

Tolbert also commended the Ministry of Labor’s presence at the event, emphasizing the importance of the ministry’s involvement in ensuring the agreement’s success.

Assistant Minister for Trade Union Affairs at the Ministry of Labor, Rufus T. Saylee, applauded both USPOGUL and SSAL for prioritizing the welfare of hundreds of Liberians working on vessels to support their families. He urged USPOGUL to leverage the Decent Work Act of 2015 and Liberia’s labor laws to strengthen their position.

“We are here to support you and will do so,” Minister Saylee said, promising to share the union’s concerns with Labor Minister Charles Gibson Kruah. He also encouraged the union to formalize its concerns in writing and submit them to the ministry for proper documentation.

The event was attended by several key figures, including Elijah D. Nyenkan, Secretary General of USPOGUL; Finda Fallah, Women’s Chair of USPOGUL; and Adama Kamara, Treasurer of SSAL, among others.