Africa-Press – Liberia. Rep. Fahnbulleh, whose district hosts the concession, said in a statement that the plight of these workers reflects deep-rooted failures in concession management and enforcement of labor laws.
Amid growing unrest at the China Union concession in Fuamah District, Bong County, District 7 Representative Foday E. Fahnbulleh has issued a detailed statement addressing the ongoing workers’ protest and outlining steps being taken to resolve the crisis.
As Chairman of the House Committee on and Investments and Concessions, Rep. Fahnbulleh has called for immediate and coordinated government intervention, describing the workers’ grievances as legitimate and long ignored.
For several days, scores of redundant and inactive workers have staged protests near the China Union site, demanding payment of arrears, reinstatement of laid-off staff, and an end to what they describe as unfair labor practices by the Chinese-owned mining company.
The demonstrators, many of whom were dismissed during the Ebola crisis, say the company has failed to honor promises of reemployment despite years of appeals. Others allege that they continue to receive only half salaries without any assigned duties — a situation they claim amounts to psychological and economic exploitation.
Representative Fahnbulleh, whose district hosts the concession, said in a statement that the plight of these workers reflects deep-rooted failures in concession management and enforcement of labor laws. He said he stands firmly with the aggrieved employees, noting that the issue has persisted for far too long without meaningful government action.
“The ongoing protest by redundant workers and inactive employees of China Union in Fuamah District has drawn my attention and concern,” he stated. “These are workers who were laid off during the Ebola crisis and have since not been recalled to work. Their grievances are genuine, and my office stands in solidarity with them as they demand fair treatment and fulfillment of commitments owed to them.”
Rep. Fahnbulleh expressed dismay over reports that Chinese nationals are currently performing tasks such as driving and manual labor that qualified Liberians could easily handle. He described this as an unacceptable practice that undermines the rights of local workers and contradicts the spirit of Liberia’s concession laws.
“When foreign nationals are assigned jobs that Liberians can competently perform, it is not just a labor issue; it is a national insult,” Rep. Fahnbulleh said. “It speaks to the disregard for our people’s dignity and the erosion of confidence in our own capacity. Liberia’s natural resources must benefit Liberians first.”
To ensure the concerns of the workers are fully addressed, Rep. Fahnbulleh revealed that his committee has already initiated formal legislative engagements. He disclosed that four separate citations have been sent to the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the National Investment Commission (NIC), the Ministry of Labor, and the Chief Executive Officer of China Union, compelling their appearance before the Joint Committee on Labour, Investment, and Concession. These hearings, according to him, are intended to ensure transparency and demand accountability from both the company and the relevant state institutions.
“These sessions are not to witch-hunt anyone,” he clarified. “They are meant to promote dialogue, accountability, and genuine solutions that will restore confidence between China Union, the affected workers, and the host communities. The welfare of the Liberian people must always come first in every concession agreement.”
Representative Fahnbulleh also cautioned protesters to remain calm and law-abiding as discussions progress. While reaffirming his respect for the right to peaceful assembly, he urged the demonstrators to avoid acts of violence or destruction that could derail the process of engagement.
“The right of citizens to express their grievances is fully protected under our laws,” he said. “However, I encourage all actions to remain peaceful, orderly, and within legal boundaries. Violence or property destruction will only harm the very cause we are trying to advance.”
Rep. Fahnbulleh further assured residents of Fuamah District that his office remains actively engaged with relevant ministries and stakeholders to ensure that the situation is resolved justly and sustainably. He reaffirmed his commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Liberian workers across all concession areas.
“My dedication to the people of Fuamah District and the workforce of this country remains unshaken,” he emphasized. “We will continue to engage the necessary authorities until a fair, transparent, and lawful solution is achieved that reflects justice for our citizens and respect for our nation’s laws.”
The China Union concession, which once symbolized a new era of industrial revival in Liberia’s post-war economy, has become one of the country’s most contentious investment projects. Years of operational delays, labor disputes, and unfulfilled community development commitments have eroded public trust in the company. Residents have long complained about unemployment, environmental neglect, and inadequate benefits despite the firm’s large-scale operations.
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