- Workers assigned to a railway project linked to China Union Investment Company at Dixville Junction are raising concerns over unsafe working conditions, low pay and what they describe as unfair labor practices, according to complaints shared with The Liberian Investigator.
The workers, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, allege they have been working without formal contracts since late 2025 and lack essential protective equipment despite earlier assurances from authorities. They say the situation poses increasing risks as Liberia approaches the rainy season.
"Up to present, nothing except reflective vests," one worker said, citing the absence of basic safety gear such as boots, helmets, communication radios, whistles, flashlights and traffic control flags. The worker added that promises were made during a meeting attended by an assistant minister for land and rail at the Ministry of Transport, Zunu Duyann, to provide full protective equipment before operations began in 2025.
Workers say they are tasked with coordinating locomotive movements along active rail lines, a responsibility they argue requires adequate safety measures that are currently lacking. They warned that deteriorating weather conditions could heighten the risk of accidents.
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Beyond safety concerns, the workers allege they face demanding labor conditions, including working seven days a week without rest days except on public holidays. They claim to earn about US$5 per day, with holiday overtime reportedly reduced to US$1.50. Workers also say they cover their own feeding, transportation and medical expenses without company support.
"There's no entity in Liberia where contractors work from Monday to Sunday without rest, but this was accepted," another worker said, attributing the situation to limited job opportunities. Some workers have reportedly left, while others remain due to economic hardship.
According to the workers, about 19 employees are assigned to the Caldwell site, earning an estimated monthly income of around US$150, except for a supervisor who is said to earn US$20 daily. They further alleged that the supervisor has family ties to a government official, though this claim could not be independently verified.
Wuhan Jinhuasheng Railway Locomotive Co., Ltd. is carrying out the railway work as a technical contractor, responsible for railway repair, maintenance and operations. China Union remains the primary concession holder for the Bong Mines iron ore project and relies on the railway to transport ore.
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Workers claim they were informed that their arrangement falls under an agreement between the Ministry of Transport and the company, and that formal contracts would not be issued. "It's almost like daily hired work," one worker said. "We're all disappointed, but we can't quit until we find another job."
When contacted, Assistant Minister Duyann questioned the source of the allegations and called for a formal complaint. "Allegations from who? We have oversight responsibility on them, so let me get a written communication so we can call them for investigation and possibly invite you to listen," he said.
Efforts to obtain comment from China Union and Wuhan Jinhuasheng Railway were unsuccessful as of press time.
