Margibi County- Liberians living at the Salala Rubber Corporation in Margibi County are facing severe starvation as the company remains indefinitely shut down following a violent protest by employees.
The protest erupted months back and was fueled by workers’ frustrations over persistently low wages and deplorable working conditions.
The unrest began when workers, frustrated by what they described as exploitative labor practices, took to the streets demanding better pay and improved working environments.
The protest quickly escalated into violence, with reports of property damage within the corporation’s premises, and burglary.
Workers, mainly tappers at the Salala Rubber Corporation, have long been demanding better pay and improved working conditions for several months, thus staging a go-slow action, but their grievances weren’t addressed by the company.
The dissatisfied employees claimed that their plights were given no attention by members of the County legislative caucus and local government officials after several complaints were filed.
The angry protesters/employees set ablaze the plantation manager’s vehicle, and residence, burglarized the plantation warehouse, and made away with several bags of rice and other equipment belonging to the company.
In response, the Salala Rubber Plantation (SRP) Management announced immediate and indefinite suspension of all operations.
The shutdown notification that is in the possession of Verity News is quoted as saying “In the wake of the recent illegal and violent strike action carried out by employees, in particular, on Thursday, June 27, 2024, which led to the manhandling of senior personnel and staff, especially the general manager and one of the company plantation superintendents, issuing of death threats, as well as the wanton destruction of company properties by burning of senior staff residential unit(s), the plantation manager vehicle, smashing offices, setting fire to offices and looting, etc.
SRP in its notice to the public stated “management hereby informs the public that the operation of the company is closed with immediate effect until otherwise decided.
Meanwhile, management informs all employees that the company shall pay appropriate end-of-service compensation per applicable laws.”
On the other hand, the shutdown has left hundreds of workers and their families stranded within the company’s quarters, not enabling them access to food, clean water, and other essential supplies.
Many workers are migrant laborers who reside within the company’s housing facilities and rely on their wages for sustenance.
With the suspension of operations, they are left with no income or means to support themselves or their families.
Community leaders and local officials have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation. “This is a humanitarian crisis in the making,” said John Mussah, a local leader in the County.
“These workers are not just employees; they are human beings with families. They deserve fair treatment and a living wage, and they should not be punished with starvation.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, the company’s management has remained silent on when operations might resume or what steps will be taken to address the workers’ demands. The government of Liberia has also been criticized for its lack of response to the growing crisis.
Upjit Singh Sachdeva commonly known as Jeety, CEO of the Jeety Rubber Processing Plant has made some intervention by providing cooked meals to the citizens at that area.
All seems not enough to meet their satisfaction and demand as the unemployed Liberians at the plantation are in their numbers.
By: Joekai Yango, Correspondent
