Africa-Press – Liberia. Liberia’s Labor Minister, Cllr. Charles H. Gibson has urged labor unions in the country to play robust roles in ongoing strives to improve the condition of service across the public and private sectors.
Addressing score of journalists at a Special Edition of the Edward Wilmot Blyden Forum, organized by the Press Union of Liberia, (PUL) in Monrovia, on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, Cllr. Gibson said labor unions need to stand up against and address some of the appalling conditions workers undergo at their various work places in Liberia. The Special Edition of the Blyden Forum was held under the theme Domestication of ILO Conventions # 100, # 38 and #160.
The Labour Minister stressed that the creation of conducive and healthy work environment rest largely upon the shoulders of Labour Unions in the country.
He challenged unions in the country to rise above all odds and remain champions in advocating for workers’ rights and better living conditions in Liberia.
Minister Gibson called on unions not to be compromised and work diligently in shifting the labour sector that will experience reforms and changes that will transform the living conditions of workers in Liberia.
The Labour Minister highlighted the importance of the two International Liberia Organization Conventions that were ratified and stressed the need for the domestications of the ILO Conventions in the interest of Liberian Workers. The two ILO Conventions ratified by the Legislature include, Convention # 100 and Convention 138. Convention # 100 highlights equal pay for equal work while convention # 138 looks at minimum age.
For his part, the President of Liberia Chambers of Commerce, Cllr. Oswald Tweh emphasized the need for massive enforcement and awareness of these conventions. The President of the Liberia Chambers of Commerce called on journalists to get involved in creating awareness on the two ILO conventions that were ratified by the Liberian Legislature.
He said when unions are strong, they will greatly contribute to a prepared workforce for Liberia with all rights and remunerations are dually accorded workers.
Cllr. Tweh intimated that labour unions must be strengthened so that it makes the conventions effective and implementable. He said the amendments to the ILO Constitution have strengthened the conventions. The President of the Liberia Chambers of Commerce stressed that the 1986 amendments guarantee inclusion of membership to the ILO Convention.
