Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Wilson
Published on 2024-02-27 11:51:10
The President of the Stevedores Section of USPOGUL, Adam Sayon Washington, has made a commitment to ensure that Liberian workers in the employ of APM Terminals and other companies adhere to the eight-hour workday mandated by Liberian law. The Stevedores Section is a part of the United Seamen Ports and General Workers Union of Liberia, boasting over 3,000 members. Recently, the body held general elections on Bushrod Island, where several candidates won unopposed.
Those elected unopposed include Adam Sayon Washington as President, Victor D.M. Roberts as Vice President, Elijah DosbehNyenkan as Secretary General, Nagbe Sonpon as Financial Secretary, and Finda Fallah as Treasurer. Additionally, an election for the role of Assistant Secretary for Operations took place, with Mr. Stanley Sackor Moore Natt emerging victorious over his opponent Arthur Powo.
In his inaugural address on February 24, 2024, President Washington emphasized his administration’s commitment to upholding the eight-hour workday law in Liberia. He expressed his dedication to defending, protecting, and restoring the morale of all stevedores in the country. President Washington also pledged to prioritize the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and vowed to fulfill the wishes of his members in the upcoming negotiations.
Furthermore, President Washington announced plans to increase wages for members, enhance safety measures during container vessel operations, and require stevedoring agencies to have a bank deposit before engaging their services. He stressed the importance of ensuring prompt payment to stevedores and highlighted APM Terminals Liberia’s commitment to providing insurance coverage for workers.
The President also emphasized the need to address any discrepancies in payment agreements between stevedoring agencies and APM Terminals Liberia. He pledged to ensure that all stevedores working for companies such as Cavalla Brother Corporation and Stevent Stevedoring Agency receive fair compensation for their services.
The election event drew a large crowd, including members of the union, officials from the Liberian Government, representatives from the Ministry of Labor, the Liberia Labor Congress, United Workers Union of Liberia, and the Dock Workers Union of Liberia. The unity and support shown at the event underscored the collective effort to improve working conditions and uphold the rights of stevedores in Liberia.
In conclusion, President Adam Sayon Washington’s election and inaugural address mark a new chapter for the Stevedores Section of USPOGUL. His commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of Liberian workers, along with his plans for fair compensation and improved working conditions, signal a positive shift in labor relations within the country. The support and cooperation of all stakeholders will be essential in implementing these initiatives and ensuring a better future for stevedores in Liberia.
Read the original article on New Republic Liberia
