Liberia: Cocopa Workers erect roadblock – Africa Links 24

Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-04-11 01:26:00

Aggrieved employees at Cocopa Plantations in Nimba County have taken drastic action by erecting a roadblock on the Ganta—Saclepea Highway. The employees, numbering over two hundred, are protesting against the management of the plantation, now known as Nimba Rubber Incorporated (NRI), for unpaid salaries and incentives. This protest has been ongoing for some time, with workers claiming that they have not been paid for one year and seven months.

The protest has garnered support from students at the plantation, as well as their parents. The workers have cited a lack of supply of essential items such as rice, rental, and healthcare benefits for the past five to six months as some of the reasons for their protest. A. Morris Howard, who is leading the protest, has stated that they will not remove the roadblock until their demands are met.

Other employees, including teachers at the plantation school, have also joined the protest, with some teachers refusing to attend classes. Students have voiced their support for the teachers, citing a lack of education and essential supplies such as food and medication. The situation has escalated to the point where normal plantation activities have come to a halt, and protesters have even destroyed a government ambulance at a local hospital.

The tension in the area has made it difficult for media outlets to reach out to the management of NRI for comment. However, protesters and community members have expressed their grievances, claiming that the management has not addressed their concerns since 2020. The protest on April 10th, 2024, is just one of several actions taken by aggrieved employees in recent times, highlighting the widespread issue of unaddressed grievances in concessionaires across the country.

Law enforcement officials have engaged with the protesters, urging them to find a peaceful solution to their concerns. However, similar protests in the past have sometimes turned violent, as seen in the recent incident at Bea Mountains in Grand Cape Mount County. It is clear that there is a growing unrest among workers in concessionaires, and it is crucial for both management and employees to work together to address these grievances and prevent further escalations of tension and violence.

In conclusion, the ongoing protest at Cocopa Plantations in Nimba County reflects a larger issue of grievances among workers in concessionaires across Liberia. Both the management and employees must engage in dialogue to find a resolution that is fair and equitable for all parties involved. Failure to address these concerns may lead to continued disruptions in operations and potentially dangerous situations for all stakeholders.

Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia