Dismissal Rumor Sparks Protest at Labor Ministry -Kruah Says Workers’ Action ‘Premature’ as There’s No Official Alert Yet

MONROVIA- The planned onslaught on a good number civil servants bordering labor-related malfeasances could prompt running street battles soon in Monrovia, the first sign being the rise of Labor Ministry workers who yesterday staged a protest, reportedly barricading entrances to the ministry. There was substantial uproar that nearly turned violent, but the Minister, Cooper Kruah, calmed the storm, stating that he was yet to get any official edict on the dismissal of any civil servant. For the civil servants, Thursday’s press briefing by the Civil Service Agency announcing a series of actions, including the blocking government workers’ names on payrolls and completely purging others was enough for a spontaneous preemptive strike. And the petrified civil servants did for hours yesterday, as The Analyst’s Lincoln H. Dalieh reports.

Workers at the Ministry of Labour staged a protest yesterday, August 14, 2024, barricading the entrance to the Ministry in response to concerns and fears about potential job dismissals.

The unrest followed a statement Tuesday made by the Director General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA) during a press at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT).

During the briefing, Director General Josiah Joekai revealed that a recent staff evaluation process, which included headcounts and other assessments, might lead to dismissals, suspensions, or warnings within the Ministry of Labour. This disclosure, although preliminary, triggered anxiety and fear among the Ministry’s staff, leading some of the workers to block access to their workplace.

In a subsequent press statement, Cllr. Cooper Kruah, the Minister of Labour, addressed the situation and expressed concern over the workers’ reaction.

“While I was at home, I learned that some workers had closed the Ministry’s entrance due to rumors of being listed for dismissal,” Minister Kruah said.

He emphasized that the action by the employees was premature, as no official report from the CSA regarding staff dismissals or disciplinary actions had been received by his office.

Minister Kruah clarified that the information put out at MICAT was based on an ongoing evaluation process.

“The report from the CSA has not yet reached us,” he noted. “The workers’ concerns seem to stem from the information shared during the press briefing rather than any official communication.”

The Minister further explained that the CSA, which is located directly opposite the Ministry of Labour, should be the primary point of contact for concerns regarding the evaluation process.

“If anyone had problem with the information, they should have directed their concerns to the CSA,” Kruah suggested.

Minister Kruah assured employees that once the CSA report is received, the Ministry will conduct a thorough review.

“We will form a committee to examine the report and engage with any affected staff. It is crucial that any actions taken are based on solid evidence and carried out in an orderly manner,” he said.

The Minister also emphasized that, since he took office nearly seven months ago, there has been no dismissal of employees except in the case of five individuals involved in a separate issue.

“We are committed to working with all employees and ensuring that every action is justified and fair,” Kruah added.

Addressing the workers directly, Kruah urged them to remain calm and continue their duties.

“We are all concerned about the welfare of our workers and are committed to protecting their rights. There is no need to act on rumors or take the law into your hands,” he said.

Minister Kruah reassured staff that any discrepancies in the CSA evaluation process, such as missing information about absences or valid reasons for non-attendance, would be addressed in collaboration with the CSA.

“We will consider all relevant information and ensure that every employee has the opportunity to present their case,” he concluded.

The Ministry of Labour plans to manage the situation by reviewing the CSA’s final report and engaging with affected employees to ensure fair treatment and transparency.