MONROVIA: Liberia’s Labour Minister, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr. has commenced mediation process, aimed at resolving the long standing dispute within the leadership of the umbrella trade union in the country, Liberia Labour Congress (LCC).
The LCC which represents all local trade unions across the country, with the key mandate to seek welfare of members and spearhead their greater interests at collective bargaining agreements at places of work, has been split by persistent internal Leadership crisis, costing the country to lose substantial support from Liberia’s international tripartite constituents, including the ILO.
Minister Kruah Launched the conflict resolution process among key players of the LCC on Friday, September 6, 2024, at his EJS Ministerial Complex office with all interested and contending parties in attendance.
Among key issues on the table for discussions and amicable resolution included: full membership to Liberian Health workers, teachers in both private and public sectors; as well as civil servants who are currently prescribed from trade union activities, in line with relevant government regulations.
Addressing the formal opening of the conflict resolution forum, over the weekend, Labour Minister Kruah called on all parties to exercise flexibility and tolerance in resolving their differences in the supreme interest of their general membership, the Labor release emphasized.
According to the labour ministry press statement , Minister Kruah reminded the LCC officials of their obligation to the workers across the country, who look up to them for protection, guidance and seeking their economic wellbeing through employment and training opportunities from investment partners, the release disclosed.
The Liberian Labour Minister further encouraged the trade union leaders to exercise high level of inclusiveness of leadership by ensuring a somewhat ‘power sharing arrangements’, under which each faction will accommodate position shift for accommodation, setting the basis for a truly inclusive transparent National Congress for all members, to usher in democratic leadership in the shortest feasible future, the release asserted.
Minister Kruah then reminded the LCC officials of the huge cost their leadership stalemate has costs the entire workers of this country, citing lack of overseas training, financial and logistical support from key international tripartite constituents.
He vowed to ensure that total peace prevails within the Liberian Labour sector at the conclusion of the ongoing mediation process, with the emergence of a unified LLC Leadership, the release noted.
In separate remarks, the leaders of the two opposing forces of the LLC, John Nyemah Natt, Sr. and Marcus S. Blamah, both assured Minister Kruah of their unflinching support to the peace process, promising to consult their respective constituents in readiness for a conclusive outcome in their general interest.
They highlighted the need to ensure the full incorporation of other credible working sectors for their protection at work. Resolution from the ongoing Labour Ministry brokered mediation exercise is expected to be submitted to National Government and Liberia’s international labour partners, the release concluded. Signed: E. Frederick Baye-Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs
Two officials of the opposing blocks of The Liberia Labour Congress (LLC): Marcus S. Blamah (left) and John Nyemah Natt, embrace at commencement of Labour Minister Kruah’s ongoing conflict resolution dialogue
