Africa-Press – Liberia. The Firestone Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia (FAWUL) criticizes delay in passing key amendments to the Decent Work Act of Liberia.
The President of the Firestone Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia (FAWUL), Mr. Rodennick M. Bongorlee, has strongly criticized the delay in passing key amendments to the Decent Work Act of Liberia, calling on the 55th Legislature to act swiftly in the interest of Liberian workers.
Mr. Bongorlee emphasized the need for urgent legislative action to address retirement-related issues under the Decent Work Act. He noted that while some progress has been made for Firestone employees through recent negotiations, many other workers across the country continue to retire without receiving the benefits they are entitled to.
“We recently petitioned the House of Representatives and hope they take our concerns seriously. What is happening now is one-sided; only Firestone workers are benefiting, while others are being retired without any benefits,” he said.
The Decent Work Act, originally passed in 2015, was designed to overhaul outdated labor practices and align them with international standards. The concept of “Decent Work” was introduced by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 1999 and refers to employment that contributes to both social and economic stability for workers.
Bongorlee highlighted the critical role played by the Ministry of Labor, especially Minister Cooper Kruah, in supporting labor advocacy efforts.
“The Ministry has played a balanced and instrumental role, particularly during our negotiations with Firestone management. Their neutrality helped us achieve results that benefit our members,” he said.
Following years of advocacy, FAWUL successfully negotiated retirement benefits amounting to 50% of an employee’s salary, multiplied by the number of months served —a significant improvement after more than seven years, during which retirees received nothing.
In addition to securing retirement benefits, Bongorlee revealed that FAWUL has introduced new initiatives, including plans for night school classes aimed at empowering union members through education.
He also praised the government, particularly President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, for enabling the union to push for these changes. “The government gave us the strength to exercise our rights. That’s how we made these gains,” Bongorlee said.
On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, Bongorlee was honored by Excellent Media Incorporated during a ceremony at the Boulevard Palace Hotel in Monrovia. The event recognized his contributions to labor advocacy and the promotion of workers’ rights in Liberia.
He expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of Liberian workers.
“This honor is not just mine,” he said. “It represents the struggle, resilience, and hope of all workers across Liberia. We will continue to push for fairness, dignity, and justice in the workplace.”
The award highlights his leadership in strengthening organized labor and promoting constructive dialogue between workers, employers, and the government, a critical step in building a fairer labor environment in Liberia.
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