Buchanan ─ (12^th May 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. 

Representatives of the Union have also seized the keys to the AML mining equipment and have refused to surrender same. In addition to an extremely dangerous act of driving mining trucks through densely populated communities, the union is preventing other non-striking employees and contractors from going to work, , thus sabotaging operations

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.

The latest unlawful industrial action by the workers’ union has shut down production and operations at the company. AML notes with dismay that some of the union’s actions threaten the safety and health of other employees, contractors, and the community, and calls for the union to immediately end its strike and allow the legal process to take its due course.

ArcelorMittal Liberia also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all vehicles and equipment seized by the workers’ union and requests the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice to intervene and ensure the safety and security of its employees, community, and valuable assets.

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