For years, Liberian workers employed by China Union complained about what they described as poor labor conditions, inadequate safety equipment, limited engagement with management, and a lack of respect for their rights. Many workers said their concerns remained unresolved despite repeated appeals made before Representative Fahnbulleh was elected to represent Fuamah and Sanoyea Districts in the House of Representatives
FUAMAH, Bong County – Liberian employees at China Union have praised Bong County District Seven Representative Foday Fahnbulleh for what they describe as his unwavering efforts to improve their welfare.
By Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
The commendation follows another round of discussions held Saturday between Representative Fahnbulleh, the leadership of local contractors, and the concession’s management, where the parties reviewed previous commitments and assessed progress made in addressing workers’ longstanding concerns.
For years, Liberian workers employed by China Union complained about what they described as poor labor conditions, inadequate safety equipment, limited engagement with management, and a lack of respect for their rights. Many workers said their concerns remained unresolved despite repeated appeals made before Representative Fahnbulleh was elected to represent Fuamah and Sanoyea Districts in the House of Representatives.
Since assuming office in 2024, however, workers say Representative Fahnbulleh has made their welfare one of his priorities by maintaining regular meetings with both management and employees, conducting monitoring visits to the concession, and using his legislative oversight responsibilities to press the company to improve working conditions for Liberian employees.
According to workers, the lawmaker has consistently demanded better safety standards, improved sanitation facilities, longer employment contracts, and greater respect for the dignity of Liberian workers. They also credited him with ensuring that concerns raised during previous engagements are followed up until management provides updates on their implementation.
Saturday’s meeting highlighted several improvements that workers say resulted from the continued dialogue facilitated by the District Seven lawmaker.
Among the latest developments are the distribution of safety boots to all contractors, the commencement of raincoat distribution to employees working during the rainy season, six-month contract extensions for contractors who were previously employed on three-month contracts, and management’s commitment to complete outstanding hygiene facilities before the lawmaker’s next monitoring visit.
Workers also welcomed management’s assurance that ongoing upgrades to the railway system would be completed before Representative Fahnbulleh’s next inspection of the concession.
Representative Fahnbulleh said the progress demonstrates the value of consistent engagement between elected leaders, workers, and investors.
“Our responsibility as representatives is to ensure that the voices of our people are heard and respected. We will continue engaging management, monitoring commitments, and advocating for better working conditions because every Liberian worker deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect,” Representative Fahnbulleh said.
The lawmaker also pointed to what he described as a significant improvement in workplace relations following a recent incident in which a Chinese supervisor publicly apologized to a Liberian contractor over alleged misconduct.
According to Representative Fahnbulleh, such actions indicate that the company is beginning to recognize the importance of mutual respect in the workplace.
“When workers are respected, productivity improves, industrial harmony grows stronger, and confidence is restored. We will continue working with management to ensure that respect for Liberian workers becomes a permanent part of the company’s culture,” he stated.
Representative Fahnbulleh further pledged to continue conducting routine inspections and engagement meetings to verify that commitments made by management are fully implemented.
“We are not interested in meetings that produce empty promises. Every commitment made must be followed by action, and we will continue monitoring progress until every issue affecting our workers receives the attention it deserves,” he added.
Several Liberian employees who attended Saturday’s meeting said the lawmaker’s approach has significantly changed the relationship between workers and management.
One contractor said Representative Fahnbulleh has remained accessible since taking office and has consistently represented the interests of Liberian employees.
“Before Representative Fahnbulleh became our lawmaker, many of our complaints remained unanswered. Today, he meets with us regularly, listens to our concerns, and takes those concerns directly to management. Because of that, we are beginning to see real improvements in our working conditions,” the worker said.
Another employee described the lawmaker as a dependable advocate who has remained committed to workers long after the elections.
“He has never forgotten us. He continues to visit the concession, follows up on every promise made by management, and makes sure our welfare remains a priority. The safety boots, raincoats, contract extensions, and other improvements are evidence that his efforts are producing results,” the worker stated.
A third employee said Representative Fahnbulleh’s persistent engagement has given Liberian workers renewed confidence that their concerns matter.
“What makes Representative Fahnbulleh different is that he keeps coming back. He doesn’t just attend one meeting and disappear. He monitors implementation, demands accountability, and ensures management fulfills its commitments. Today, we feel respected because someone is consistently standing up for us,” the worker added.
