Africa-Press – Liberia. Labor Minister Cllr. Cooper Kruah, over the weekend, intensified efforts to protect Liberian jobs by revoking the work permits of four Chinese nationals who were found performing tasks that Liberians are fully capable of doing, including carpentry.
The decisive action followed the Minister, accompanied by his deputies and assistant ministers, conducting an inspection tour of Bangli, a mining company operating in Bong Mines. The visit aimed to assess the company’s operations and evaluate the working conditions of Liberian employees in Bong County.
During a face-to-face discussion with workers, employees highlighted several concerns affecting their welfare and productivity. They appealed to the Minister for swift intervention to improve their working environment.
In response to these concerns, the Chinese-owned company committed to taking immediate steps, including establishing a clinic and providing an ambulance for workers. The company also agreed to construct five mobile toilets as part of its initial improvements.
Minister Kruah issued firm deadlines to ensure further compliance. He stated, “I give you two months to provide an adequate water system for your workforce.” He also mandated that the company supply PPE, including safety boots, within two weeks, and that it provide a vehicle to transport workers to and from the job site.
The Minister underscored the importance of fostering cordial, friendly working environments to enhance productivity and promote mutual respect between employers and employees.
The Ministry of Labor serves as a central pillar of government, responsible for formulating, coordinating, and implementing labor and employment policies that advance decent work, industrial peace, and sustainable economic growth.
In recent years, the labor sector has confronted numerous challenges, including globalization, rapid technological changes, demographic shifts, the expansion of the informal sector, and disruptions from economic shocks and public health crises. These factors have underscored the need for a more resilient and adaptable Ministry capable of protecting workers’ rights, supporting employers, and enabling a productive labor market.
To meet these demands, the Ministry has strengthened its institutional framework through modernized labor laws, enhanced workplace compliance systems, improved labor inspection mechanisms, and stronger social dialogue among workers, employers, and policymakers. The Ministry also continues to invest in workforce development, skills training, and labor-market programs designed to prepare Liberians for emerging opportunities in the digital and green economies.
By promoting safe working conditions, fair labor standards, and job creation, the Ministry plays a vital role in national development. Its resilience-based approach empowers it to respond effectively to disruptions, protect vulnerable groups, and foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
In line with these efforts, the Ministry has recently taken giant steps to protect Liberian jobs, including strict enforcement of work permit regulations to ensure that employment opportunities intended for Liberians remain in Liberian hands.
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