MONROVIA: Minister of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) Samuel D. Tweah has pleaded with protesting employees of the Ministry of Transport to halt their protest action as government was prepared to amicably look into their situation.
He told the disenchanted employees that the Liberian leader was seriously concerned about the low salaries of all government workers most especially those who are making below US$150 monthly as take home pay.
According to him, the Liberian Leader has also instructed that those employees who are making below US$150.00 as salaries must be paid a least US$150.00 monthly and it is now taken effect beginning February 2023.
The Finance and Development Planning Minister made the statement on Monday April 3, 2023, at the Transport Ministry during the second day of their protest action in demand of salaries increment and other benefits.
The protest started on Friday March 31, 2023 at which time the employees paralyzed normal working activities for the hold day in demand of salaries disparities, salaries increment and other benefits.
The employees told Reporters that, it was annoying for them to work with a Ministry that has been winning several awards from the Liberia Revenues Authority (LRA) for contributing to the Liberian national budget yet they are being underpaid.
The spokesperson of the Transport Ministry workers Association, Madam Princess Tarpeh told Reporters on March 31, 2023, during the start of their protest that, despite their efforts, there has been no positive response to their plight.
She pointed out that, their salaries are insufficient to sustain their families economically.
They appealed to the government to see a reason to increase their salaries.
Madam Tarpeh lamented alleged bad labor practices, no career growth for employees, unhealthy working environment, lack of transportation for employees, and poor management, among other challenges that workers are faced with at the ministry.
