The National Labor Court of Liberia has ordered an immediate end to the strike by the workers’ union of ArcelorMittal Liberia and has issued a Stay Order, instructing all parties to return to Status Quo Ante, pending the determination of the matter.
His Honor, Joseph M. Kollie, Resident Judge of the National Labor Court has also ordered the return and release of all ArcelorMittal assets including keys to equipment seized by the workers’ union within the next twenty-four hours.
The National Labor Court Stay Order was issued on Friday, May 12, 2023.
On Wednesday, May 10, 2023, some members of the workers’ union engaged in a strike in a manner inconsistent with the processes laid out within the Decent Work Act (DWA). Some members of the Union forcibly and without authorization confiscated and removed large earthmoving machines (Automated Dump Trucks) from the AML Mines and relocated them to the Township of Yekepa.
The workers’ action came following a Labor Ministry’s ruling of April 11, 2023, into unresolved issues from the latest Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). AML exercised its legal option and took an appeal before the National Labor Court and filed a petition for judicial review, consistent with the Decent Work Act. While the matter is before the court, the workers’ union began an unauthorized strike without notifying the Ministry of Labor or AML, as required by law.
ArcelorMittal Liberia Management expressed dismay over the workers’ action and sought the intervention of the Ministries of Labor and Justice to intervene and ensure the safety and security of its employees, community, and valuable assets.
