The Minister of Labour, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr., has instituted several measures aimed at addressing unfair labour practices at the Liberia Agricultural Company (LAC) in Grand Bassa County.
The Minister’s directives follow issues raised and resolutions reached during a two-day assessment visit to the company by the Minister and a delegation from the Ministry of Labour.
On Friday, January 9, 2026, Minister Kruah led a high-powered 12-member delegation to LAC’s concession areas in Number Four, Grand Bassa County. In accordance with established procedure, the Minister first held extensive consultative meetings with workers before engaging management. These consultations involved representatives and leadership of the three worker categories: Unionized Workers, Sub-Staff Workers, and Staff Workers.
Following the consultations, a 21-count resolution was developed and signed by representatives of the Workers’ Union, LAC Management, and the Ministry of Labour. Among the key directives, Minister Kruah ordered that all management contract workers who have worked directly with the company for more than twenty-four (24) months must be transitioned to permanent employment within three (3) months.
The Minister further directed management to ensure that graduates of vocational and technical institutions are provided with housing, electricity, and other applicable benefits. Additionally, all workers serving in acting positions must be regularized and paid full wages and benefits associated with their positions within three months.
Minister Kruah informed both workers and management that the Decent Work Act (DWA) contains clear provisions regarding workers’ wages in both the formal and informal sectors. As a result, the Ministry of Labour has initiated a review of the payroll and related complaints and will formally advise management on the appropriate actions. All workers’ representatives will be duly copied on decisions and actions taken by the Ministry.
The Minister also instructed that all reconstructed and newly constructed housing units must include indoor bathroom facilities as a mandatory requirement. Management was further urged to make upward salary adjustments for skilled, technical, and professional workers and to seriously consider the introduction of hazard allowances, particularly for workers exposed to occupational risks.
Special attention was drawn to teachers and school workers who reportedly work up to ten (10) hours during both sessions without overtime compensation. Minister Kruah directed management to urgently review and remedy this situation.
The Labour Minister also urged management to consider the significant rise in the cost of living over the past decade and begin implementing salary increments across the concession to reflect current economic realities.
In conclusion, Minister Kruah recommended that water wells and pumps be relocated uphill or replaced with borehole pumps within two months to ensure safe water access. He further recommended the installation of rubber tiles on school floors to address dust conditions and improve the learning environment for students.
Meanwhile, It was established that LAC Expatriate workers have not been paying for Alien Work permits, since the establishment of the company in 1959(67) years ago as such, the Minister said his Ministry is reviewing the issue and will carry out legal consultations to derive the appropriate remedy.
In separate remarks following the signing of the resolution, the President of the LAC Workers’ Union, Mr. Terrance Mulbah, and LAC General Manager, Mr. Naveen Madan, expressed appreciation to Minister Kruah and his delegation for the visit. They pledged full implementation of the resolutions to promote industrial peace and harmony.
Workers also informed the Minister of the lack of regular inspections by county-level labour authorities and appealed for consistent monitoring of the LAC plantation to prevent the recurrence of unfair labour practices.
This marks Minister Kruah’s first official visit to LAC, as part of his nationwide tour of workplaces across Liberia. During the visit, the Minister and his delegation—along with worker and management representatives—toured two camps in Kangoda National Park and inspected living and working conditions, including the Allamalo Junior High School.
Officials accompanying the Minister included Mr. Stanley D. Barh, Assistant Minister and Chief of Staff; Mr. John O. F. Kangbah, Inspector General; Mr. Joseph K. Nyandibo, Director of Communications; Mr. Jackson Quoibian, Labour Commissioner for Grand Bassa County; and other senior officials.
Comments are closed.