A thorough investigation by Verity News has uncovered a cache of disturbing photographs, videos, and documents allegedly revealing systemic labor violations and human rights abuses at the Liberian Agricultural Company (LAC) in Grand Bassa County.
The evidence points to illegal firings, underpayment, and exploitation that workers have likened to modern-day slavery.
Multiple workers, speaking under strict anonymity, told Verity News, “We are working as slaves on this plantation.”
Among the whistleblowers is Shaju Vijayan, an Indian national and former Factory Manager at LAC.
Vijayan claims he was wrongfully dismissed in June 2025 after raising concerns about worker exploitation and corruption at the management level.
“Because I was speaking up for workers’ rights and exposing internal corruption, I was terminated on fabricated charges of misconduct—without even a single dollar in compensation,” Vijayan said.
According to Vijayan and corroborating sources, more than half of LAC workers do not receive company-provided housing.
Those who do often live in unsafe and deteriorating conditions. Leaked salary slips and internal memos further suggest widespread underpayment, missing wages, and unexplained deductions that leave many workers with little or no income at the end of each month.
One salary slip reviewed by Verity News showed employee Barlingar Abra earning $74.40 for January 2025—only to have $74.46 deducted, leaving him with a negative balance of $0.07.
Another worker’s slip reflected total deductions of $156.80, reducing their net monthly pay to just $50.58.
“This is real slavery—hard work with no money,” one worker said. “Some months we get no payment at all. People beg for 50 or 100 Liberian dollars just to eat. Many work on empty stomachs. If anyone is caught taking something small, like fuel, just to survive, they’re accused of robbery and fired.”
Internal reports and testimonies describe excessive surveillance and harsh disciplinary practices.
In the past year, several employees have allegedly been dismissed and criminally charged for petty theft, such as taking a few gallons of gasoline—offenses workers say stem from desperation, not criminal intent.
This treatment comes despite rising global prices for natural rubber, LAC’s primary export. Vijayan noted that “natural rubber prices have been increasing since late 2023 and are expected to soar further due to global demand, especially from the automotive sector.”
He added that tire manufacturers are offering premiums of up to 30% for rubber compliant with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
“LAC is profiting from these global trends,” said Vijayan, “but its workers remain trapped in poverty. The company should be reinvesting in its workforce—instead, it’s squeezing them dry.”
A petition dated October 13, 2025, addressed to LAC management by a group of drivers and heavy equipment operators, further supports the allegations.
Their demands include an increase in daily wages from $6.00 to $17.00 USD, improved housing for assignments in Monrovia, and travel allowances.
The petition accuses management of intimidation, denial of overtime pay, and forcing drivers to stay in unsafe, poorly maintained accommodations.
Despite repeated meetings with company leadership, the workers claim they have received only verbal assurances and no formal resolutions.
“If nothing changes by November 22, 2025, drivers and operators will have no choice but to lay down our keys,” the petition concludes. It was formally acknowledged by LAC representative Augustine Y. Tapleh.
In response to the drivers’ demands, LAC management—through Mr. Naveen Madan—acknowledged the workers’ one-day “go-slow” action on October 6. That same day, union leadership received the petition and met with Human Resources.
“The leadership was advised to ask members to return to work, and management expressed willingness to discuss their concerns,” Madan stated. “A meeting took place on October 10, and a three-month window was proposed to address grievances.”
He added that drivers returned to work after further discussions on October 13, and that “resolvable issues will be acted upon even before the proposed date.”
He emphasized that LAC has a tradition of dialogue with stakeholders and offers five separate grievance channels through which employees can raise concerns.
Despite these assurances, workers say they continue to labor under fear, surveillance, and economic hardship—while global markets benefit from the fruits of their unseen and unacknowledged labor.
Human rights advocates and labor organizations are now calling for an independent investigation into conditions at LAC, urging both the Liberian government and international partners to intervene before the situation worsens further.
