Solid Hope for Seafarers' Employment
Published: 05 May, 2008
Senior Senator Joyce Sumo
The statement of former Liberian Maritime Commissioner Philip Bowen that there is a gold mine in the sea, apparently referring to seafaring and the Liberian approach, continues to linger on even after several years of his death.
Unionization Is Key to Plight of Gov't Workers
Published: 28 April, 2008
There appears to be a conspiracy of silence precipitated by lack of willpower on the part of so-called human rights groups and trade unions operating in the country to speak out and/or take stances to defend civil servants referred to as government workers.
Free Speech or Labor Dignity Laws
Published: 21 April, 2008
There are certainly more that we want in life than we need, and in most cases we tend to ask for our wants ahead of our true needs, even if our needs could settle our quest to cover wants as well.
Paradigm of Our Labor Society
Published: 14 April, 2008
We are instructed by the good old book to train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. The reality of this proverb is unfolding today in our labor society before the eyes of the very people who are to indoctrinate our workers in the wrong pattern.
Stead of a Gladiator: The FAWUL Scenario
Published: 31 March, 2008
Firestone Manager Charles Stuart
When we hear the song “I am tired of waiting for your help, I am going to make it to the top all by myself”, there is an underlying command, namely, “do for yourself what you want others do for you” and, “the end justifies the means”.
Problems Posed by Locals In Job Creation
Published: 17 March, 2008
Partial view of AMA workers' camp
Job creation in a post-war country like Liberia is always of paramount concern for the Government and its citizens. Job creation is in fact the demand of the masses pressing their Government to provide jobs for the unemployed majority.
The Liberian Labor Market Today
Published: 10 March, 2008
It is about some 30 months now that we have been speaking about the situation on the Liberian Labor Market and the condition of the working masses. We have attempted to describe very appalling conditions that have degraded the very nature of the workers.
Panacea for Unorganized Labor
Published: 18 February, 2008
The plight of unorganized workers otherwise referred to as 'junkyard labor' in Liberia today is about the greatest challenge facing the refurbishing of the Liberian Labor Society. It is a challenge that needs not only the attention of trade unionists but also human rights organizations in the country, as well as the Government.
The Plight of Forestry Workers:
Published: 04 February, 2008
We often hear people say it is better late than never. In the case of the current state of the forestry and logging workers, whose calamity stems from the abrupt cancellation of forestry concession agreements since 2006, a remedial stance even after two years is worth the cause.
Job Creation in a War-ravaged Nation
Published: 28 January, 2008
If one does not believe in oneself, one practically has no place in life. In the same vein, if a nation cannot dream of standing on its own, its citizens will be like slaves in a free nation.
The Plight of Forestry Workers
Published: 21 January, 2008
We are again reminded by the adage, when retribution overtakes the redressed the wrong is equally un-redressed. This adage perfectly subscribes to the situation with the cancellation of all forestry concessions in the country that came into effect before February 2006.
Strife Hits Liberian Labor Society
Published: 07 January, 2008
In the September 24, 2007 edition of this column, LABOR MATTERS, we catalogued the emergence of bogus labor organizations in Liberia and its concomitant hardship to the working class of the country. Since then authorities in the administration of labor, particularly in government circles, have severely criticized us for pointing out the ills which still permeate the Liberian labor society today.
Another group of workers using pickaxes and shovels
Intensive Manual Labor on Roads
Published: 24 December, 2007
While it is true that labor is one of the moving pillars of investment but it cannot operate on its own accord; it needs the two other components capital and land to be operational.
The writing is on the wall in the world of labor which needs thoughtful interpretation to sway the minds of workers from hiding behind government officials to run trade unions in the country.
Grappling with Unemployment
Published: 10 December, 2007
Truly there are more questions than answers and a last-minute answer is equally a way out; it is truism that it is better late than never. This is indeed the true scenario of the decadence of the socio-economic development of the Liberian labor force being suffocated with a dangling problem of unemployment.
50,000 Jobs for Liberians
Published: 03 December, 2007
Mr. Andrea Tamagnini, UNMIL Director of Reintegration, Rehabilitation and Recovery has disclosed that as UNMIL military engineer contingent moves ahead to recondition and rehabilitate many rural stretches of road across the country, it will also be creating about 50,000 jobs for unskilled and skilled rural laborers.
The slogan used by workers in the labor society 'injury to one injury to all' is not limited to hurts and misdeeds that affect the life, employment or social status of the worker alone. It extends to the employer, the workers' dependants and the labor organization as well.
Growth of Liberian Labor Society
Published: 19 November, 2007
A legendary singer rightly expresses the reality of a rational being when he says 'a hungry man is an angry man'. But eating to the fill is not all-conclusive in fighting hunger since feeding a man may occasionally be on gratis and can even be on handouts without social satisfaction or economic progress.
Two female workers being interviewed,middle, Another group of workers using pick-axes and shovels, and right, Labor Minister Woods and Montserrado County Supt. Beauty Barcon Inspecting road project
Intensive Manual Labor on Roads
Published: 05 November, 2007
While it is true that labor is one of the moving pillars of investment but it cannot operate on its own accord; it needs two other components, capital and land to be operational.
Quashing the Bane of Unemployment
Published: 29 October, 2007
With Liberia at the crossroads today, the reality of a Christian song 'how I got over' seems to ring in the minds of believers as knowledgeable philanthropists endeavor to help Liberia get over.
Labor Congress of Liberia
Published: 22 October, 2007
Medical doctors who desire not to delay the delivery of a pregnant woman when her time arrives may elect to induce the labor pain to cause the woman to give birth quickly. Sometimes the result can be good, while at times it proves fatal.
Labor Minister Kofi Woods speaking toFirestone workers during industrial strife
LABOR MARKET TURNS CONFLICT ZONE
Published: 15 October, 2007
The Holy Bible says whatever is done in darkness shall come to light, even if done in the darkest cave. This biblical prophecy has come to pass before our very eyes on our labor market today.
LIMU Poised for Legal Battle
Published: 08 October, 2007
The Liberian Movie Union (LIMU) President, Clifford Robinson, and its treasurer Monica Woods, say they will take one of LIMU's members, Henry Johnson, to court for accusing them of misappropriation of funds belonging to the organization.
MONROVIA, Three persons who recently defected from a pro-government faction of the conflict-ridden Firestone Agriculture Workers Union (FAWUL) have made startling revelations about manipulations by the Ministry of Labor (MOL) that have kept the FAWUL crisis-prone.
EMPLOYMENT IN MARITIME INDUSTRY
Published: 01 October, 2007
Senator Joyce Musu Freeman Sumo/Montserrado/CDC Photo by John K. Forkpa
One of the most effective means to curb security risk in any country is to find employment for the citizens. This is true because it is commonly said idleness invites trouble.
The formation of bogus labor unions outside of recognized workers' organizations has been fruitlessly fashioned over a lengthy period in our country. Even prominent lawyers have attempted forming labor unions without the presence of workers. Hoping to have workers ascribe to such labor organizations considered trade union movements is another gambling game for greedy men.
Light Shines on Liberian Journalists
Published: 17 September, 2007
In Christendom, the phrase 'born again' is the most favorite expression all believers love to speak in welcoming new converts to the vineyard of the Lord. The new life being injected in the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) can, to some extent, be compared to a new birth for a union dearly cherished by Liberian journalists.
POLITICAL SETTLEMENT or RULE OF LAW
Published: 10 September, 2007
The Daily Observer Labor Column plainly pointed out to government at the on set of the crisis within the Firestone Workers' Union that in the search for a solution to workers representation could not be achieved by political settlements, but by adherence to the rule of law and the truest practice of workshop democracy.
DILEMMA OF BLUE COLLAR WORKERS
Published: 03 September, 2007
If you fail to do for your self what you are able to do, the cause of your plight is on your head. That is why former Vice President Bennie D. Warner rightly said about Liberians, “What is wrong with us is us.”
Labor Reforms in Abeyance
Published: 20 August, 2007
Strange things are happening on the Liberian Labor Market today that have compelled us to revisit the idea of labor reform and the modernization of trade unions in the country.
EMPOWERMENT FOR EMPLOYMENT:
Published: 13 August, 2007
Liberia like many underdeveloped countries throughout the world is faced with the chronic problem of unemployment which is considered to be a social ramification of capitalism where maximization of profit is the key factor of investment.
Labor Society Under Threat
Published: 06 August, 2007
The legal dictum, “Whatever is not done legally is not done at all” may have eluded the workers of Firestone of late when they were perplexed to enter into exercising workplace democracy on the wrong footing. However, since ignorance of the law excuses no one, Firestone workers have suffered the nightmare of an imaginary leadership flight.
Employment Opportunity For All
Published: 30 July, 2007
The desire or want of something is common to the nature of man, but satisfying a want is not a necessity; while the need of something necessarily drives one into pursuing it to the finish.
There is a saying; Heaven helps those who help themselves. In the context of the present day reality on the Liberian Labor Market this saying justifies the role of the ordinary Liberian today in seeking ways and means of self-employment.
The Paradox of Workplace Democracy
Published: 09 July, 2007
photo by J. K. Forkpa
The adage when two elephants fight, the grass suffers is apparently the awful episode involving the workers of Firestone on one hand, and the Labor Ministry and the General Agricultural and Allied Workers' Union of Liberia (GAAWUL) on the other hand.
Fighting Poverty With Employment:
Published: 02 July, 2007
Firestone Gen. Manager Charles E. Stuart Photo John K. Forkpa
Behind the dark cloud there is a silver lining. The truism of this wise saying is now becoming evident in Liberia. Indeed, the storm is over, but it is still raining. Nonetheless, the certainty is that after the rain the sun will shine.
Cllr. Samuel Kofi Woods, II, Labor Minister speaking at the press confab Photo by Edwin M. Fayia
Big ILO Aid Package for Liberia, Labor Minister Discloses
Published: 26 June, 2007
MONROVIA, Liberia's Labor Minister, Counselor Samuel Kofi Woods, II says the International Labor Organization (ILO) has earmarked, committed and assured the leadership of Post Conflict Liberia major bilateral and technical assistance in the years ahead.
Rep. Gbenimah Slopadoen and Mr. Foday Kamara, President, ALCC Photo John K. Forkpa
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS WILL SMILE
Published: 25 June, 2007
The average unemployed worker feels guilty when he reads the Scripture and understands that a man who cannot feed his wife and children is worse than an infidel. His guilt stems from the mere fact that he does not have the means to sustain his home, although he has the capability to work and earn a decent wage.
Labor Mal-Practice: A Crime Against Humanity
Published: 18 June, 2007
Labor Minister Kofi Woods Photo John K. Forkpa
The living word of God, “he that knows to do good and fails to it, to him it is sin” is manifesting itself nowadays in the Firestone workers' saga. It is now clear that some human rights advocates, social institutions and lawyers are engaged in a syndicate to hurt the suffering workers in Firestone.
The Firestone Workers Saga:
Published: 11 June, 2007
There is a wise saying that when you are invited to eat with His Majesty, do not make a vow over a glass of wine before the king. This wise saying has come into play today in the Firestone workers saga; where unionists have rather turned goons, confused over the role of a trade union in the administration of social justice in the Liberian Labor Society.
LABOR FORCE URBAN MIGRATION:
Published: 04 June, 2007
Labor Minister Kofi Woods
Evidently, the movement of the working class in our country is as in any country globally. The workforce moves in pursue of livelihood and happiness in those areas where capital suffices even in surplus value. This movement of labor at the accord of capital carries along with it several factors, principal among which is huge concentration of unemployed people in a given economic sector of the country or at a particular locality.
Without controversy, it is rational to understand that when something is done the wrong way, the ramifications can sometimes create a predicament. For legal practitioners, the way to get out of such a situation is for them to argue, what is not done legally is not done at all.
Kofi Woods Praises Staff For Commitment
Published: 08 May, 2007
Minister Samuel Kofi Woods
MONROVIA, May 9,---Labor Minister Samuel Kofi Woods, II, has praised the Labor Ministry staff for their commitment and called on them to use training available to them for the enhancement of their effectiveness. The Minister was speaking at a two-day strategic planning workshop held in Monrovia at the weekend for senior staff of the Ministry. Thirty-five persons participated.
Ramification Of Bad Labor Administration
Published: 07 May, 2007
Ida Collins, Interim FAWU/L Leader
It is said the reward of a thing well done is to have it done. And there is no failure if the desired result is not achieved; but when attempt is not made at all, it is more than a failure because the failure to attempt doing something is a breach of self confidence. Worse still, when a man fails to do what he is under obligation to do he offends those who reposed confidence in him.
HIRING AND FIRING: Right of Workers or Employers?
Published: 30 April, 2007
We are today reminded by the Good Old Book: there is a way that seems right to a man but the end of it is destruction. This proverb has placed us in a compelling position again to speak out about the rigmarole in Firestone today.
Hypocrisy or Labor Advocacy: Which Way, Liberia?
Published: 23 April, 2007
The unfortunate and inhumane development in Firestone that tends to destroy the fabric of a humane labor society, especially for agricultural workers, is getting beyond the pale of an appalling situation. It has instead reached the peak of disgrace and mockery of civilization in the Liberian Society.
MANIPULATION OF OUR LABOR SOCIETY:
Published: 16 April, 2007
There is a saying that when a story is told about a past event, the impact will not be the same as the time when incident occurred. Nonetheless, when actors of previous event are actively in the present situation causing history to repeat itself before our very eyes, we sense a better understanding of the past that can enable us judge the present.
MANIPULATION OF OUR LABOR SOCIETY:
Published: 16 April, 2007
There is a saying that when a story is told about a past event, the impact will not be the same as the time when incident occurred. Nonetheless, when actors of previous event are actively in the present situation causing history to repeat itself before our very eyes, we sense a better understanding of the past that can enable us judge the present.
RULE OF LAW IN OUR LABOR SOCIETY
Published: 09 April, 2007
There is a philosophy that “when one in error insists on going forward to achieve the goal under the principle of the end justifies the means; the one in error then afflicts wrong to redress a wrong.” Nevertheless, two wrongs cannot make one right.
TThe Need to Restructure the Liberian Labor Societyhe Need to Restructure the Liberian Labor Society
Published: 02 April, 2007
For some time now the larger Liberian public, particularly civil society of which the Liberian labor movement is an integral part, has been awaiting a sign of rebirth of the Liberian labor society. But this has not been forthcoming.
Corrupt Union Leaders Blamed For Crises in Workers' Leadership
Published: 26 March, 2007
When a party litigant cries foul in a given case the judge is often accused of being a judge and a lawyer at the same time; expressing it another way, people often ask: will you be a referee and a player at the same time?
DECENT HOUSING ADDS TO LABOR DIGNITY
Published: 12 March, 2007
It is nearly 35 years now since the late President William R. Tolbert declared war against ignorance, disease and poverty. Following that declaration, President Tolbert introduced the mat to mattress policy of the government to improve the living standards of the ordinary Liberian, among whom the working class was the largest community.
RAMIFICATION of LABOR MISDEED
Published: 26 February, 2007
The famous Liberian saying, “Take care better than beg pardon,” is worth taking into consideration in making most of the crucial decisions for our post-war recovery, because healing with serious scars can lead to deformity.
WE WILL INSPECT THE INSPECTORS
Published: 01 February, 2007
The Minister of Labor, Attorney Samuel Kofi Woods Photo by John Forkpa
The Minister of Labor, Attorney Samuel Kofi Woods, II, has warned personnel of the Labor Ministry, particularly the inspectors and Commissioners, to refrain from comprising their responsibilities.
Individual local crop farm project in Wumeh Town, Kapi Dis., Bong County
UTILIZING LABOR IN AGRO INDUSTRY
Published: 29 January, 2007
The advancement of science and technology, which has modernized the world particularly to save and serve humanity, began with single individuals in respective fields and discipline.
Labor Minister Samuel Kofi Woods,II Photo by John K. Forkpa
The Ministry of Labor has donated five sets of computer equipment to four labor organizations and the Employer's Association of Liberia (EAL) as a gesture to build their capacity for effective work and services.
Collective bargaining is the most powerful tool available to a trade union to secure the socio-economic interest of its members in a given plant or industry. It is the medium through which the desires and aspirations of workers are fostered by their representatives at the bargaining table to ensure that the working conditions of workers are conducive and they earn living wages.
GOVERNMENT WORKERS' ECONOMIC-DOOM Double standard in Administration of Social Justice
Published: 06 October, 2006
The yardstick used to measure the performance of governments the world over in the practice of democracy lies not only in the amount of money in the budget for infrastructure development; neither the number of companies that offer employment opportunities, nor the size of the workforce, though underemployed without dignified wages, but the administration of justice.
Poor Working Conditions and Facilities
Published: 18 September, 2006
Acting Labor Minister John Josiah
For too long, politicians, unionists and labor activists have expressed some of the negative conditions of work attributed to managements of companies and small businesses in the country, calling it unfair, unhealthy and inhumane to no avail.
LIBERIAN WORKERS NOT ECONOMIC PAWNS:
Published: 18 September, 2006
Just as a child looks unto his or her parents, particularly the mother for answers to questions, so too, several decades ago, Liberian workers helplessly looked in vain unto their labor masters to provide some answers to their plight.
MONROVIA, August 21 --What we earlier referred to as a new day in Liberia is not limited to the inauguration of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as the 23rd President of Liberia after a protracted and devastating war.
