Monrovia, Liberia – A thorough investigation by Verity News has obtained multiple leaked videos and testimonies of workers at RLJ Kendeja Resort which reveal deteriorating labor conditions and rights violations amid unfulfilled promises, massive layoffs, and overburdened staff. “We are suffering,” a worker told this paper.
The complaints stem from a series of investigations and insider testimonies collected by Verity News, which reveal growing frustration, alleged labor rights violations, and a deepening crisis affecting both employees and service standards at the once-popular hospitality establishment.
An insider, who requested anonymity due to fear of retaliation, provided a detailed account of the unfolding situation since the hotel came under the leadership of a Ghanaian businessman known as Hnel Appleton, the hotel’s Operations Manager. The source claims that despite early promises of reform and improved working conditions, the reality has been the opposite.
“When Kosi and his team took over, they made a lot of promises. They talked about change and better systems. But all those promises disappeared once they got comfortable. The system has remained the same if not worse,” the insider said.
Massive Layoffs and Overburdened Staff
According to the whistleblower, one of the first moves by the new management was to downsize the workforce drastically. The number of employees was reduced from over 20 to just five in some departments. “We were told it was due to COVID-19 and financial constraints. But what actually happened is that a single person now has to do the job of three. It’s exhausting, and people are breaking down under the pressure,” the insider revealed.
Reports also indicate that some staff were let go without proper severance packages or benefits, and those who remained were not given clear employment terms or contracts. One worker claimed that even medical benefits and annual staff parties ~ once standard at the hotel ~ have been discontinued.
Delayed Salaries and Rising Hardships
Perhaps the most pressing concern is the consistent delay in salary payments. Contractors report that they have gone up to three months without pay, and when payments are finally made, it is only for one of the missed months. Some workers say they’ve been forced to take loans with high interest just to feed their families or send their children to school. “As we speak, most of our kids are out of school. Some of us are behind on rent. Yet, we are still coming to work every day, hoping for things to change. It’s becoming unbearable,” another employee stated.
Despite multiple meetings with the hotel’s management, workers say no meaningful solutions have been offered. Promises of improved conditions and timely payments have repeatedly been broken, leading to increasing distrust.
Union Involvement and Plea for Government Intervention
Workers have reportedly reached out to labor unions and local representatives in search of redress. One such representative is Rev. Samuel Enders, who met with staff members and encouraged them to hold off on protests while he attempts to mediate the situation. “Rev. Enders asked us not to strike ~ for now. He promised to speak with the management and see if payments can be made soon,” said the source.
Meanwhile, employees say they have also informed the New East Office, a labor-related body that falls under the Ministry of Labor. However, progress has been slow. Many of the union’s operations reportedly take place outdoors “under a tree,” due to lack of proper facilities. ~ a situation that reflects the broader systemic issues plaguing labor rights enforcement in the country.
Declining Service Quality
The ongoing internal chaos is also affecting customer service and operations at the RLJ Hotel. Guests have reportedly complained about poor service, lack of basic amenities, and unsanitary conditions ~ issues that are directly tied to staff shortages and low morale. “The hotel is crumbling from within. We’ve tried to alert the public through professional means, including the media, because we feel our voices are not being heard by management,” said one frustrated employee.
Call for Accountability
The workers are calling on the Liberian government and the Ministry of Labor to intervene before the situation escalates further. They argue that private sector employers must be held accountable for upholding fair labor practices, especially in a recovering post-COVID economy. “We don’t want to strike or cause chaos. We just want what’s fair – our pay, our benefits, and a humane working environment,” said the insider.
When contacted, the management of RLJ acknowledged the allegations and concerns raised by the worker but declined to provide an official response. As of now, Hnel Appleton, Operations Manager at RLJ Hotel declined to issue any formal response to the allegations, citing management protocols.
