Monrovia — Liberia's Minister of Labour, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah Sr., has praised the Liberia Labour Congress (LLC) for fostering what he described as unprecedented industrial peace and harmony across workplaces nationwide.
Speaking during the commemoration of International Labour Day on May 1 at the J.B. McGill Labour Center in Monrovia, Minister Kruah noted that Liberia has experienced a significant decline in labour unrest compared to previous years.
"In the past, workers frequently engaged in protests, demonstrations and go-slows, sometimes resulting in damage to property. Today, through strengthened collaboration with the LLC, we have successfully mitigated several potential workplace disruptions," he said.
The Minister urged the LLC to continue prioritizing social dialogue as an effective tool for dispute resolution and commended the union for resolving its longstanding leadership crisis through a recent agreement.
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He further called on all labour unions to unite under the umbrella of the LLC, emphasizing that the government's engagement with trade unions will be streamlined through the Congress.
He disclosed that efforts are underway to compile a national registry of active unions through the LLC.
Minister Kruah also pledged to advocate for key proposals submitted by the LLC, including budgetary support, designation of International Labour Day as a working holiday and labour representation on boards of major public institutions such as the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), and the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP).
He reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving working conditions and strengthening labour relations across Liberia.
Meanwhile, LLC Secretary-General, Marcus Blamah, lauded the Ministry of Labour for promoting stability within the sector and credited Minister Kruah for helping resolve internal divisions within the Congress.
Also speaking, International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Manager, Salif Haji Massaley, commended the Ministry for fostering unity and pledged continued support toward labour reforms, including the implementation of the Decent Work Country Programme.
The event was held under the theme: "Advancing the Transformative Agenda for Gender Equity at Work and Navigating Change Through Inclusive Social Dialogue."
