The Inquirer (Monrovia)
4 April 2008
Monrovia — The Ministry of Labor and authorities of the World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU), yesterday held a one- day meeting as part of the ministry's plans to consolidate partnership with the business community and promote industry peace and harmony.
Labor Minister, Kofi Woods and other senior officials of the ministry represented the Labor Ministry in the meeting, while WLCU President, Mr. Tony Hage, led officials and members of the Lebanese community to the meeting.
Although the press was barred from the meeting, Labor Minister Kofi Woods told reporters that the meeting was intended to discuss ways how both sides can work in boosting the employment sector of the country among others.
Addressing the press following the meeting, Minister Woods said the issue of giving preference to Liberians in the area of employment, as well as creating the opportunity to create vacation jobs for students; putting in place an apprenticeships system among many others were the highlights of the discussion.
He said during the meeting, the ministry informed the WLCU members of its intention to reform the labor laws of the country stressing that it is the desire of the ministry not to do this alone, but rather to work along with all its partners including the WLCU to participate in the process.
Mr. Woods added that the response of the WLCU to most of the issues raised and discussed in the meeting were positive.
According to him, during the meeting, the WLCU commended the ministry for reducing extortion on the part of labor inspectorates and members of the WLCU, because as he put it, nowadays under the ministry, the WLCU members no longer see the frequent flow of inspectors, who extort money from them.
For his part, WLCU President, Tony Hage, buttressed Mr. Woods' assertion that the meeting center on how more jobs can be created in the country. He said the issue of new policies relating to the labor sector was also mentioned during the meeting, stressing that they, as business people do not have any problem with what was discussed.
He added that the issue of unemployment is a major problem in the country but assured that the WLCU would find ways to employ more Liberians, because as he put it, "Unemployment is a major concern." He then commended the Labor Minister for the meeting and further assured the WLCU preparedness to assist in all that was discussed in the meeting.
Meanwhile, minister Woods also held discussions with Indian and Chinese communities
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