The Workers Union of Firestone Liberia Workers and its senior management team has finally resolved the ‘go slow’ protest carried out by workers of the plantation.
In January 2025, Firestone Liberia workers initiated a strike and protest, halting operations at the company’s plantation and factory, due to grievances over labor practices, including inadequate retirement benefits and lack of support for sick employees.
But the management of the company through the Liberian government held behind-doors consultations with both sides thereby creating the space for full operation of the rubber plantation.
Labour Cooper Kruah, said, it was always appropriate to ensure that issues confronting the concession always be brought on the negotiating table that would enhance a more cordial working relationship between the workforce and the management.
Speaking during the signing ceremony of the Mineral Development Agency agreement which brought together the workers and the management of the Firestone Workers Union over the weekend Kruah, urged the management of Firestone to put a halt on sub-contracting companies which has been some of the factors affecting the workers.
Speaking on behalf of the workers, Marcus Blama, Secretary General of the Liberia Labor Congress, lauded the Liberian government for its quick intervention aimed at solving the long standing issues that has been confronting the workers Firestone.
Blama pointed out that retirement issues have been confronting the workers of Firestone which has one of the largest number of workers.
He said with the signing of the MDA, the workers will at least realize 50 percent of their wages after they are retired.
Speaking on behalf of the management, the Public Relations Officer of Firestone Rubber Company, Richard Fallah, lauded both the Ministry Labour and workers union for having the long standing issues which would have a crippling effect on the operations of Firestone.
He said there will always be a dialogue to resolve these issues so that the working atmosphere would be harmonious.
