Despite its extensive operations, Western Cluster Liberia has not invested in essential services for the local community, such as schools and hospitals.
By Lincoln G. Peters
Monrovia, October 9, 2024: Bad labor practices and salary disparities appear to intensify at Western Cluster Liberia Limited, a major iron ore mining company here.
The New Dawn newspaper has conducted an independent investigation and unearthed an alleged high level of bad labor practice and the destruction of towns after vibrations from blasts caused by mining operations.
Western Cluster is an iron ore mining company operating in Bomi County, Western Liberia.
This paper has discovered that the company allegedly owes employees approximately four months’ salaries and has refused to pay.
Our investigation has found that the company has alleged that the government of Liberia suspended the pay of the affected workers for some months.
During the paper’s investigative visit to Western Cluster’s surroundings, it was discovered that the blasting had damaged two towns, especially Borbor Town and Bola Town.
Due to the mining vibration, this paper also unearthed the deconstruction of local homes and a town hall.
An elderly woman believed to be in her late 70s is also facing hearing impairment due to the vibration caused by the mining operation.
Some company employees, speaking to the NewDawn newspaper under anonymity, said that they had not received pay for the past three months.
According to them, the management and Executive Director of Western Cluster Liberia has allegedly refused to address their concerns.
They accused the company of allegedly insulting and intimidating them.
The Ministry of Labor recently sounded a caveat against two major mining companies operating in Liberia, including Bea Mountain Mining Company (BMMC) in Grand Cape Mount County and Western Cluster Liberia in Bomi County.
The warning is about violations of their concession agreements and poor labor practices.
The ministry’s investigation highlights significant disparities and questionable practices that undermine the rights and opportunities of Liberian workers.
It sparked widespread concern about the companies’ compliance with national labor laws and commitment to fostering local employment.
Western Cluster Liberia, another major mining operation in the country, is being criticized for its labor practices, which have left hundreds of Liberians in precarious employment situations.
Despite holding a 25-year concession agreement to mine in Bomi County, the company employs only two Liberians.
Instead, 563 Liberian workers are employed through an outsourcing program managed by subcontractors, which leaves them without job security or direct employment benefits.
Most of these workers are on three-month contracts, further exacerbating their employment instability.
The Ministry of Labor has expressed deep concern over this arrangement, questioning why a company with such a long-term concession agreement has failed to integrate more Liberians into its direct workforce.
“We have made it clear that this is unacceptable. These Liberians need permanent employment, not exploitation through third-party agreements,” Minister Kruah stated.
The ministry also criticized Western Cluster for its lack of social responsibility. Despite its extensive operations, the company has not invested in essential services like schools and hospitals for the local community.
Minister Kruah has called on the Bureau of Concessions to join the conversation to resolve these issues and has vowed to raise the matter in the cabinet to ensure that the rights and welfare of Liberian workers are safeguarded.
Minister Kruah has reiterated that the Ministry of Labor will not relent in its efforts to ensure fair labor practices across all concession companies in Liberia.
A comprehensive review of all concession agreements and labor practices is underway, focusing on ensuring that Liberians are allowed to participate actively in their economy.
The Ministry’s ongoing assessment tour will cover all major concession companies. At the end of the tour, a final report will be made public.
“We are committed to holding these companies accountable and ensuring that Liberians are not marginalized in their own country,” Kruah concluded.
Mr. Joseph Coelho, Western Cluster Liberia Limited’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), chatted with journalists at his office on 18 Street Sinkor, Monrovia, and admitted that they had not paid their employees for the past three to four months.
According to him, this is due to the restrictions the government of Liberia placed on the company.
