An investigation by Verity News obtained leaked documents, videos, and audio recordings—including pay slips—that reveal alleged labor abuse and concession violations. China Union, through its HR company (CRESS), still pays workers US$145 per month
Documents obtained by Verity News show that the workers are not directly paid by China Union but through a human resource management company identified as CRESS Human Resource Management Company. The HR firm reportedly handles employment and payroll services for a portion of the workforce at the mining concession.
According to the documents, including several pay slips reviewed by this newspaper, workers receive US$145 monthly and in some cases less. Labor experts say this payment level violates provisions of Liberia’s labor law and minimum wage law.
The Liberian Minimum Wage Bill is rooted in the Decent Work Act of 2015, which established standards for wages, working conditions, and employee rights across the country. The law sets the minimum wage employers must pay workers to ensure they maintain a basic standard of living.
Under the Act, employers operating in Liberia—including concession companies — are required to comply with the national wage floor. Paying below the minimum wage is considered a violation of labor regulations and may attract penalties if proven.
The government has also reinforced the policy in recent years. Beginning in January 2025, authorities announced that no central government employee should earn less than US$150 per month, a move intended to strengthen compliance with the national wage standard.
A worker at the Bong Mines operation, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, confirmed that employees working at the site receive payments through the HR contractor rather than directly from the mining company.
“The company we work for is China Union, but there is a second party HR company called CRESS that handles our pay. Too many labor abuses here. We work under harsh conditions. The Ministry of Labor is aware, but they’ve done nothing to address our concerns,” the worker said.
Multiple sources further alleged that the owner of the HR firm is reportedly the wife of Liberia’s Inspector General of Police, though Verity News has not independently verified this claim. If confirmed, labor experts intimated potential conflict of interest.
The revelations raise concerns about labor practices at the mining concession and whether the company and its contractors are complying with Liberian labor laws.
Labor advocates say the findings highlight the need for stronger oversight by the Ministry of Labour to ensure companies operating in Liberia respect the rights and welfare of their workers.
