USPOGUL Proffers Several Counts at CBA

By H Matthew Turry

MONROVIA – The Stevedores Section of the United Seamen Ports and General Workers Union of Liberia (USPOGUL) has emphasized four-count demands in its proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement to the Shipping and Stevedoring Association of Liberia (SSAL). Key among their demands is to reduce the 12-hour on shift to a maximum eight-hour.

Speaking at the opening of the CBA over the weekend in Monrovia, the President of the Stevedores Section of USPOGUL, Adam Washington, said the eight-hour shift will save workers from many illnesses affecting their backs, private reproductive organs and early old age, among others.

Mr. Washington also disclosed that the proposed CBA to the SSAL has already been submitted to APM Terminals following a consultative meeting with the 1,500 members of the institution.

“Therefore, we are demanding US$10 incensement for all stevedores’ unionized positions,” he added. Washington stated that over the last three years, there has been no increment in wages despite the continued increment every year by APM Terminals Liberia in their handle charges fees.

The president stressed that as stated in the CBA, there will be one wage rate for all ports in Liberia, whether with APM Terminals or the National Port Authority (NPA).

Mr. Washington also highlighted the delay in paying workers after the end of their task.

To avoid such a situation, which usually leads workers to credit all of their wages before payment, he emphasized that moving forward, workers should receive their just benefits after three working days following completion of all vessels.

“This CBA is very important because it will provide us with an objective framework for making informed decisions that will benefit our workers and increase our values,” Washington stated.

He indicated that the document is not only about wage increment but also improving the working conditions of their workers.

“The SSAL signed a contract agreement with APM Terminals Liberia for three years, which has greatly affected us for one and half years”.

Also buttressing the position of Mr. Washington, the President General of USPOGUL, Mr. Freeman Trokon Gueh said the Union cannot sign a contract with SSAL and then SSAL signs contracts with individuals outside of their scope, something he said will not be accepted.

“In cases of accidents or provisions of food for workers, agents of vessels have distanced themselves from honoring their responsibilities.

In response to the CBA submitted by USPOGUL, the President of the Shipping and Stevedoring Association of Liberia (SSAL), Daniel Tolbert termed the step taken by the Union as welcoming and in the best interest of all parties.

Tolbert pledged the unwavering commitment of his institution to ensure the full implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. “This is a good move and trust me, you have our 100 percent support”.

According to him, where necessary for negotiation between both parties, will be highlighted in a stakeholder engagement meeting but stressed that such negotiation will not be at the disadvantage of the workers.

“It is so good that the Liberian government through the Ministry of Labor is represented and watching this event. At this time, the urgent assistance from the ministry to make this effective cannot be overemphasized,” Tolbert stated.

Also speaking, Assistant Minister for Trade Union Affairs at the Ministry of Labor, Rufus T. Saylee lauded both parties for prioritizing the welfare of hundreds of Liberians working on vessels to cater the needs and wants of their respective families.

Assistant Minister Saylee also urged the leadership of USPOGUL to make effective use of the Decent Work Act of 2015 and the Labor Law of Liberia.

“We are willing to give you the support and we will do that. I acknowledge receipt of your concerns, and I am going to share them with Minister Kruah,” he promised.

Saylee indicated that beyond the verbal expression of the concerns raised by USPOGUL, the leadership should reduce those concerns into a formal communication and submit to the Ministry of Labor to be kept on file.

The event was also attended by Elijah D. Nyenkan, Secretary General of USPOGUL, Finda Fallah, Women Chair of USPOGUL, and Adama Kamara, Treasurer of SSAL among others.