Salala, Margibi County — The Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) was forced to shut down last July following a violent protest by workers. The unrest was primarily triggered by poor living conditions, including dilapidated estate housing units, and accusations of poor labor practices, inadequate medical facilities, low wages, and high interest loan. The protests resulted in significant damage to company property, including the torching of the administration building.
SRC, Liberia's third-largest rubber producer, specializes in the production of semi-processed rubber for tire manufacturing. It was formed in 2007 through a merger and, until recently, was owned by the Belgian multinational Socfin. The company had been heavily criticized for providing workers with substandard housing, some of which was built in the 1950s, creating significant health and safety risks.
A Change in Leadership
The company underwent a significant shift in ownership last year when it was acquired by Indian businessman Dr. Upjit Sinch Sachdeva, commonly known as Mr. Jeety in Liberia. Although the exact price paid for the acquisition has not been disclosed, this transition marked a turning point for both the company and its workers. A recent investigative tour by The New Dawn on January 3, 2025, sought to assess whether the problems under the previous management had been addressed under the new leadership.
Reports indicate that many of the previous grievances, including poor housing, inadequate medical care, and unfair labor practices, have been addressed since Mr. Jeety took over. Workers, particularly tappers, have reported noticeable improvements in their working environment.
Improvements in Healthcare Services
One of the most significant changes under the new management was the revamping of the SRC-Jeety Conglomerate Health Center. Dr. Ahson Malik, the general physician, explained that the clinic had been non-operational for several months before Mr. Jeety's intervention. "He refurbished the facility, recruited staff, and expanded services. The clinic now operates 24/7 and offers emergency care, deliveries for pregnant women, outpatient services, and more."
Medical services for SRC employees and their dependents are free of charge, and fees for certain services, such as delivery, have been significantly reduced. Delivery fees, which previously ranged between 3,000 to 5,000 Liberian dollars, were reduced to just 1,000 Liberian dollars. The clinic also provides free treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, syphilis, and malaria. Dr. Malik noted that although the clinic faces challenges, such as limited services and the lack of an ambulance, its patient intake has steadily increased, signaling growing trust in the facility.
"We see 20 to 25 patients per day and address emergency services like deliveries at night," he added. "We are coordinating with the Community Health Team on malaria, TB programs, and conducting training to gather progress reports."
Improved Working Conditions and Pay
Several workers shared their experiences under the new management, highlighting improvements in pay, housing, and job security. Joseph Sackie, Camp Two Master, acknowledged that things have significantly improved compared to the previous management, especially regarding worker satisfaction.
Fatu Fallah, a cup cleaner, expressed her gratitude for the pay raise she received under the new management. She used to earn only US$15 a month under the old system but now takes home US$85 per month after taxes, plus a 25kg bag of rice. This increase has had a profound impact on her ability to support her family.
"The job we are doing now, we can tell God and Mr. Jeety thank you, because first, we were doing this work under a tapper who used to pay us US$15 per month. But during that time, receiving payment became difficult, and we used to pressure the supervisor," Fatu Fallah said.
Other workers also reported receiving Christmas bonuses, housing improvements, and salary advances. Abenego S. Cooper, an Estate One supervisor, noted that housing, the plantation school, and the clinic had all improved significantly since Mr. Jeety took over.
However, despite the progress, some workers, such as James Teah, a head assistant, urged the management to increase the bonuses further to keep morale high. While he is still waiting for a housing unit, he expressed optimism about the future.
"For example, before Jeety took over, when we used to go to the clinic to get treatment, it was difficult. We would sit the whole day and receive just one set of tablets. I suffered from a cold and had to treat myself at my own cost at different clinics, and the money was never refunded. But under Jeety, we are seeing improvement. My son is in school, which I pay US$25 for annually," Mr. Teah said. He also urged Mr. Jeety to increase the bonuses, as it would serve as a motivation for the workers.
Housing Issues Persist
While improvements have been made, housing remains a significant concern. Bigboy Todd, Camp One Master, explained that many of the housing units are still in poor condition, and there are not enough to accommodate all workers. However, Mr. Jeety has started renovations and promised to build more units in the future. This has brought some relief to the workers, but the demand for better housing remains high.
Other workers, like Anthony Tardee, a tapper, recalled how life under the previous management was difficult, with inadequate medical care and poor treatment from management. However, Tardee noted that the situation has improved under the new management, especially with better access to healthcare at the SRC clinic.
Tackling Loan Practices and Corruption
Another area that has seen improvement is the loan system. Under the previous management, some workers were forced to take out loans with exorbitant interest rates, creating financial hardship. Roland S. Johnson, the head of contractors, explained that under Mr. Jeety, there is now a greater focus on securing housing for workers, and the loan system is being restructured to ensure fairness and transparency, with no interest charged.
However, some workers, like Jacob Folley, reported being asked to pay for housing under previous management under dubious circumstances. Despite these issues, many workers believe that things are moving in the right direction under Mr. Jeety's leadership.
Education Initiatives
The SRC School System (SRCSS) has also benefited from Mr. Jeety's investment. Principal Cuthbert Williams reported that the school, which serves surrounding villages, was in poor condition before Mr. Jeety's intervention. Since then, significant renovations have been made, including repairs to the floors, roof, and staff housing. Additionally, Mr. Jeety introduced a feeding program and promised scholarships to students who excel in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams.
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The school has also introduced a policy aimed at improving educational outcomes by ensuring that all staff are properly compensated and supported with housing, medical benefits, and bonuses. Mr. Jeety has promised to introduce night sessions at the school to accommodate employees who are busy during the day.
"Jeety's intervention with the feeding program has improved standards and increased performance. He has also promised that if all 12th graders score high marks (Division One) in WAEC, they will be given scholarships to study in India," Mr. Williams said emphatically.
Mr. Jeety is also putting systems in place for the school to begin running night sessions to accommodate employees and residents who are busy during the day. "We have a big task to perform when it comes to merit," he added.
While there are still challenges to address, the changes under Mr. Jeety's leadership have brought noticeable improvements to the Salala Rubber Corporation. Workers are benefiting from better living and working conditions, improved healthcare, and higher wages. The progress in education and healthcare further highlights the positive direction in which the company is heading. The shift in management marks a turning point for SRC workers, as they continue to work toward a better future for themselves and their families.
