The Ministry of Labor and a visiting delegation of experts from the International Labor Organization (ILO) have concluded intensive weeklong engagement, culminating in key decisions aimed at harmonizing the country’s trade union landscape.
The joint forum, which brought together government officials, private and public sector workers, and representatives from the Liberian Senate and House of Representatives, addressed several critical issues raised by the ILO delegation, including the need for trade unions to operate without government interference and the merger of existing unions into a single umbrella organization.
Labor Minister Cooper Kruah acknowledged the concerns raised by the ILO delegation and assured them of the Liberian government’s commitment to upholding the freedom of expression, association, and trade activities in line with ILO conventions.
Addressing the issue of alleged government interference in trade union activities, Minister Kruah disputed the claims, stating that since the current administration’s ascendancy, there have been no reported incidents of such interference.
He, however, acknowledged the ongoing legal dispute within the Liberian Labour Congress (LLC) and revealed that the ministry has been actively engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations to facilitate an amicable out-of-court settlement.
Regarding the rights of various sectors, the Minister affirmed that health workers and civil servants in Liberia have the constitutional right to organize and form their own associations or unions, which are currently recognized by the government.
He also noted that maritime workers have the right to form their own union, and the ministry acknowledges the existence of the Stevedoring and Port Workers Union of Liberia.
The head of the ILO visiting delegation, Professor Inriolata Chinyangarara, commended the Liberian government’s efforts and called for the creation of a joint ILO-MOL Technical Working Committee to further strengthen the collaboration between the parties.
