The protest escalated into violence after SRC management rejected its employees’ demand to be paid for the days they were off the job during the protests.
By Kruah Thompson
Monrovia, July 4, 2024: The Liberia National Police (LNP) has arrested and detained 13 persons following a violent incident at the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) in Weala, Margibi County.
Police have also launched a search and arrest operation for other individuals, including employees who fled upon learning of their colleagues’ arrests.
Early on Thursday morning, June 27, 2024, SRC workers, including contractors and employees, set fire to the residence of plantation manager Sangeeth Sathyan and looted the company’s warehouse.
Their actions were spurred by demands for payment of five months’ salary arrears.
During negotiations facilitated by Madam Mary Boimah, leader of the Salala Agriculture Workers Union (SAWU), the protest turned violent.
Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism Jerolinmek M. Piah stated on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, that this was a targeted attack on the production manager.
Mr. Piah noted that the government will ensure accountabilities for all involved, adding that the government has dispatched a team of investigators led by the Ministry of Justice to ascertain the details of the incident at SRC.
The team includes representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Acting Inspector General of Police, and the Ministry of Information.
“Since the team arrived in the county, the Liberia National Police has arrested over thirteen individuals with others still at large,” Mr. Piah said.
“The government has initiated a search and arrest operation to account for their actions,” Minister Piah disclosed.
The Minister reported that during the team’s visit to the plantation manager’s damaged residence, discussions were held with SRC employees and management.
From these discussions, it was determined that the violent incident occurred following failed negotiations between management and the workers’ union.
The employees demanded payment for the days they were off the job during protests, which the management refused, resulting in the escalation.
However, Minister Piah revealed that the company is set to shut down soon, leading to the loss of approximately 800 jobs and the closure of its associated school.
“While workplace challenges are common, there are proper channels for addressing grievances. Taking matters into their own hands, vandalizing company facilities, and endangering lives is not the solution,” Minister Piah remarked.
He noted that despite Liberia’s high unemployment rates compared to other countries, the government would not support efforts to scare away investors.
The information minister affirmed the government’s intention to use this case to set an example by holding those responsible for the Salala incident accountable.
