HARBEL, Margibi County — The Margibi County Legislative Caucus has presented copies of the amended Decent Work Act, particularly Chapter 22, Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4, to the leadership of the Firestone Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia (FAWUL) as part of its first official visit and tour of the Firestone Liberia concession.
The presentation took place on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the FAWUL headquarters in Harbel, where members of the Caucus engaged the union’s leadership and discussed issues affecting workers within the concession.
Speaking during the ceremony, Margibi County Senator James Emmanuel Nuquay explained that concerns surrounding employees’ retirement benefits were initially brought to his attention by the union’s leadership in 2021.
According to Senator Nuquay, FAWUL had consistently appealed and petitioned the National Legislature to address challenges associated with retirement benefits for workers after their separation from the company.
He said the concerns raised by the workers contributed significantly to the eventual amendment of Chapter 22 of the Decent Work Act, which addresses issues relating to retirement benefits.
Senator Nuquay disclosed that the petition was received and advanced at the House of Representatives by former Margibi County District #1 Representative Tiberrosa Tiponweh, while he sponsored the legislation at the Liberian Senate.
However, the Senator noted that the process of initiating and passing the amendment took more than seven years due to several legislative and national priorities confronting the two Houses of the Legislature.
During the presentation, Margibi County District #2 Representative and Caucus Chairperson Ivar K. Jones officially turned over the amended Act to the leadership of FAWUL.
When asked about the absence of other members of the Margibi Legislative Caucus, Representative Jones explained that they had requested excuses due to personal and professional engagements.
He further maintained that the Margibi County Legislative Caucus remains united, despite recent public concerns and accusations that divisions exist among members of the Caucus.
Receiving the amended Decent Work Act on behalf of the union, FAWUL Chairman Rodennick Bongorlee expressed appreciation to Senator Nuquay and the entire Margibi County Legislative Caucus for responding to the long-standing concerns of Firestone workers.
Chairman Bongorlee said the amendment of Chapter 22 of the Decent Work Act would bring relief and renewed hope to employees, particularly regarding retirement benefits.
He, however, used the occasion to highlight several other issues currently affecting the union and its members, including the outsourcing and contracting of farm operations, renovation of employees’ housing, medical insurance, electricity, and other basic workers’ benefits.
The concerns were presented to the Caucus as lawmakers continued their tour across various divisions and facilities within the Firestone concession.
At the conclusion of the first day of the tour, Representative Jones told reporters that the Caucus had visited several key operational areas, including the Power Plant, production sites, and factory facilities.
Representative Jones reaffirmed the Caucus’ commitment to ensuring that workers receive fair treatment and equal opportunities in keeping with the terms of the concession agreement and the Legislature’s oversight responsibility.
The visit is expected to continue as members of the Margibi County Legislative Caucus further engage workers, union leaders, and management on issues affecting the operations of Firestone Liberia and the welfare of employees.
