As AAIWUL/FAWUL Concludes Negotiation with Firestone, About 4,000 Workers Receives Retroactive Pay

Following series of discussions with the Management of Firestone Rubber Plantation Company about 4,000 workers have received their retroactive pay from the Company.
The disclosure was made by the President of the Agriculture Agro industrial and Wood Processing Union of Liberia (AAIWUL) Abraham Nimene.
He said the decision was reached after frantic negotiations between the Company and the Ministry of Labor, AAIWUL and the Firestone Agriculture Workers Union of Liberia.
Mr. Nimene said under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement workers will unlike in the past discuss with management on a negotiable settlement for possible increment if they cross the bench mark of 1200 tons, adding that 18% currently are being given to them.
He praised the Ministry of Labor for organizing the negotiation through a mature process something he noted is commendable.
The AAIWUL boss wants similar CBA to be implemented at the General Agriculture Workers Union of Liberia (GAWUL)
The Union activist said he observed that health hazard which has been repeatedly reported; low wages and injuries on the job are all challenges they are working on for the benefit of the entire workforce.
He said through dialogue with their partners they are making some impact and urged his members to always use such approach in addressing grievances.
The AAIWUL boss pointed out that plans are in the making to help build the capacity of its members to ensure effective function at the respective work places.
Meanwhile he told our reporter Monday, September 2, 109 that they are discussing with the Management of the Company relative to the division 35 situation.
According to reports there are about thirty-five workers who are directly affected by the Managements’ decision.
It can be recall that some workers of the Company destroyed the company’s facilities something that led to the suspension of about 45 of them though through negotiations, all 45 of the suspended workers are now back to work.
However, the payment of the workers for over a period is still a concern for the workers.
Nimene said they are committed to always working in the supreme interest of the labor force of Liberia.