Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Wilson
Published on 2024-02-16 06:24:23
The management of China Union has yielded to the pressure exerted by its workers, resulting in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. The workers had staged a protest to address their dissatisfaction, leading to a standoff between them and the management. As a result, the Management of China Union and the United Workers Union of Liberia (UWUL) mutually agreed to resolve issues related to employees’ benefits.
One of the key agreements reached was the provision of education allowances. The management committed to paying $600 to each employee as school fees for two years within 48 hours, with the rest of the school fees put on hold until the project in Bong Mines resumes. Additionally, each employee will receive a 50kg bag of rice within 72 hours for those in Bong Mines and within 5 days for those in Monrovia. Furthermore, it was agreed that each employee will receive 50kg of rice each quarter before the project resumes, and 100kg after the successful completion of the resumption.
The workers also demanded Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), issues related to medical care, and access to safe drinking water. The management agreed to provide PPE to all employees and to take responsibility for paying or going through reimbursement procedures when any employee is injured, sick, or wounded, along with their dependents. Additionally, safe plastic drinking water will be provided to each employee with sufficient quantity, along with a decent water bottle according to the agreement.
In response to these developments, Senator Prince Kermue Moye accused China Union of colluding with former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah to stall development in Bong County. He expressed concern over the slow pace of operations by MNG Gold Liberia, a Turkish mining company operating in Bong County, and emphasized the need to revisit the concession agreement to ensure that Social Corporate Responsibility is taken seriously.
Senator Moye also raised issues regarding the representation of the constituency being illegally removed from the Board of ArcelorMittal Liberia, emphasizing the need to revisit this decision to ensure the county’s exclusive representative rights are upheld. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that the moratorium placed on the county’s development fund is lifted, allowing for the resumption of development programs.
The newly elected Chair of the Bong County Legislative Caucus, Senator Moye, thanked his colleagues for their support and pledged to prioritize reconciliation, unity, and peace for the growth and development of the county. He also lauded the former Chair, Representative Maima Briggs Mensah, for her leadership role.
Overall, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between China Union and its workers, along with the legislative actions and commitments made by Senator Moye, indicate a concerted effort to address the concerns and promote the development of Bong County. By resolving issues related to employees’ benefits and pushing for the revisiting of concession agreements, there is a clear focus on improving the welfare and development of the county and its people.
Read the original article on New Republic Liberia
