The Stevedores Section of the United Seamen Ports and General Workers Union of Liberia (USPOGUL) has outlined four crucial demands as part of its proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Shipping and Stevedoring Association of Liberia (SSAL).
The union’s primary demand is reducing the current 12-hour work shift to a maximum of eight hours, citing serious health concerns and the need for improved quality of life for workers.
During the opening of the CBA discussions on Friday, November 22, 2024, in Monrovia, Adam Washington, President of the Stevedores Section of USPOGUL, emphasized that an eight-hour shift would help alleviate health risks such as back pain, reproductive disorders, and premature aging, all of which are prevalent among stevedores.
Washington revealed that the proposed CBA has already been submitted to APM Terminals, following consultations with the union’s 1,500 members. In addition to the work-hour adjustment, the union demands a $10 wage increase for all stevedores in unionized positions.
“For the past three years, there has been no wage increase despite APM Terminals Liberia raising its handling charges annually,” Washington stated, calling for uniform wage rates across all ports in Liberia, whether under APM Terminals or the National Port Authority (NPA). “When we go to the market, there is no difference in the price of fish or rice, no matter where we work,” he added.
Another pressing concern is the delay in paying workers after completing their assignments. Washington proposed that payments be made within three working days of completing a vessel’s operations. He emphasized that the CBA is about wage increases and securing better working conditions for stevedores.
“This CBA provides an objective framework for making informed decisions to benefit our workers and increase their value,” Washington said, noting that while agreements typically span two years, the current contract, which was disrupted by a three-year deal between SSAL and APM Terminals, has negatively impacted workers for one and a half years.
Freeman Trokon Gueh, President General of USPOGUL, reinforced Washington’s points, stressing that the union could not tolerate SSAL entering contracts with external parties outside its jurisdiction.
“In cases of accidents or worker provisions, agents of vessels have often distanced themselves from their responsibilities. This time, such practices will not be tolerated,” Gueh declared.
In response to the union’s demands, Daniel Tolbert, President of the Shipping and Stevedoring Association of Liberia, commended USPOGUL’s efforts and pledged the Association’s full support for implementing the CBA.
“This is a good move, and trust me, you have our 100 percent support,” Tolbert assured, emphasizing that any negotiations would involve full stakeholder engagement and would not disadvantage the workers. He also called on the Ministry of Labor to actively ensure the agreement’s success.
Rufus T. Saylee, Assistant Minister for Trade Union Affairs at the Ministry of Labor, praised both parties for prioritizing the welfare of Liberian workers and urged the union to leverage the Decent Work Act of 2015 and Liberia’s labor laws to strengthen their case.
“We are willing to give you the support to resolve these issues. Please formalize your concerns in writing and submit them to the Ministry of Labor,” Saylee said, assuring that he would share them with Minister Cllr. Charles Gibson Kruah.
The event was attended by various key stakeholders, including Elijah D. Nyenkan, Secretary General of USPOGUL; Finda Fallah, Women’s Chair of USPOGUL; Adama Kamara, Treasurer of SSAL; and others, all expressing optimism that a favorable resolution would be reached in the ongoing negotiations.
As stevedores continue to push for fairer wages and working conditions, the outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact the livelihoods of hundreds of Liberians who work tirelessly to support their families.
