The Ministry of Transport is on the brink of a major crisis as 107 employees have announced plans to stage a mass protest over unpaid salaries and alleged unjust dismissals.
This development comes in the wake of a communication addressed to the Liberia National Police (LNP), seeking approval to proceed with their protest.
In their letter dated July 15, 2024, which is in our possession, and addressed to Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, the aggrieved employees detailed their grievances against the Ministry of Transport, particularly under the leadership of Minister Tyler.
The employees claim that since Minister Tyler’s appointment, they have been denied their rightful benefits, including monthly salaries, without receiving formal dismissal letters.
The letter states that the employees have not been paid since January of this year.
“Minister Tyler has virtually changed all of the directors in all the departments, including the Human Resource Director, without just cause,” the letter in our possession reads.
The employees argue that they have been marginalized and excluded from all ministry activities despite holding legitimate employment letters issued by the previous administration in 2019.
They further allege that Minister Tyler has been issuing new employment letters to replace them, claiming ignorance of their existing employment records.
The employees have expressed their intention to stage a “non-stop violent protest” at the Ministry of Transport.
However, they assured that their protest would not obstruct pedestrian and vehicle movement or result in the destruction of property.
The primary aim of the protest, they insist, is to demand either reinstatement or compensation for the seven months they have been without pay.
In their communication, they emphasized the urgency of their situation and requested a meeting with Inspector General Coleman to discuss their grievances and the planned protest.
“We remain hopeful in seeking an audience with you at your convenient time,” the letter concludes, signed by Roland R. Jones, Secretary, and Francis B. H. Kanneh, Chairman.
However, in an interview with Verity Newspaper, Minister Sirleaf R. Tyler vehemently denied these allegations.
Minister Tyler stated that he has not breached the Civil Servants Agency (CSA) standing procedures of employees.
He admitted to transferring some directors to different departments based on their performance records.
According to him, some directors performed poorly in their positions, necessitating their replacement with more effective and efficient personnel to meet the president’s mandates.
“I can admit to you that I’ve made some changes within the ministry, but to talk about dismissing employees, I have no power to do so,” Minister Tyler stated.
He clarified that the only individuals he has laid off are those not on the CSA payroll but serving as consultants to the ministry whose employment was terminated by the previous government.
“We haven’t suspended anyone, let alone dismissed an employee. We’re fully aware of the CSA standing procedure, and as such, we’re working within the confines of the CSA standing law,” Minister Tyler emphasized.
The turmoil within the Ministry of Transport highlights significant issues within the Liberian public sector, including allegations of nepotism, mismanagement, and lack of transparency.
The situation raises questions about the leadership’s commitment to fair labor practices and the overall governance of public institutions.
The planned protest by the 107 aggrieved employees of Transport Ministry is a clear call for intervention from higher authorities.
The government must address these grievances promptly and transparently to prevent the situation from escalating further.
Ensuring fair labor practices and protecting the rights of employees are essential steps toward maintaining stability and trust in public institutions.
The Liberia National Police’s response to the protest request will be crucial in determining the next steps.
It is imperative that all parties involved seek a peaceful resolution to this conflict, prioritizing dialogue and mutual understanding.
The internal turmoil at the Ministry of Transport serves as a critical reminder of the importance of fair and transparent governance.
As Liberia continues to rebuild and develop, it is essential to ensure that public institutions operate with integrity and respect for the rights of all employees.
The resolution of this conflict will be a test of the government’s commitment to these principles.
