The protesting employees criticized the LRRRC’s management for a lack of transparency, specifically concerning a list of staff reportedly marked for dismissal.
Monrovia – A group of employees from the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) staged a protest at the organization’s headquarters in Congo Town on Tuesday, amid concerns over potential dismissals.
By Gerald C. koinyeneh, [email protected]
Led by Field Supervisor Benjamin T. Gboyo, the employees voiced frustration over job security and alleged mismanagement. Gboyo, who has worked with the LRRRC since 2015, said rumors reported by media outlets, including Spoon TV, suggested that several staff members were at risk of dismissal for absenteeism and misconduct.
“We’ve been hearing bits and pieces, but last night’s report was particularly alarming for those expected to be dismissed,” Gboyo remarked.
The protesting employees criticized the LRRRC’s management for a lack of transparency, specifically concerning a list of staff reportedly marked for dismissal. According to Gboyo, employees were asked to provide justifications for why they should not be dismissed, with management alleging they failed to work during January, February, and March.
However, Gboyo and his colleagues strongly refuted these claims, insisting they had worked diligently during those months, especially under challenging field conditions. “We were told we didn’t work in January, February, and March, but we challenge that 100 percent,” Gboyo asserted. He explained that many employees were stationed in rural areas managing refugee resettlement and agricultural projects during that time.
He also recounted an instance where management disregarded technical advice on the misuse of a refugee site, leading to heightened tensions between field officers and supervisors.
Although the employees have submitted written responses to the dismissal notice, they have not received any formal communication from management regarding their status. Gboyo noted that they continue to receive their salaries, suggesting their positions may still be secure.
The protest extended beyond the dismissal threats, with Gboyo accusing LRRRC Director Patrick Worzie of creating a hostile work environment, citing favoritism and neglect of long-serving staff. “Since the director came, things have not been the same. He’s brought in people from outside, ignoring staff who have been here for years,” Gboyo said.
One of the more serious allegations raised during the protest involved the misappropriation of employees’ salaries. Gboyo claimed that certain individuals within the finance department had signed for payments meant for staff but kept the money for themselves.
The employees expressed frustration over their uncertain future at the organization and vowed to continue fighting for their rights. “We are being frustrated by management, but we won’t give up. We’ve worked hard and deserve better treatment,” Gboyo concluded.
As the protest continued, the employees called on the Civil Service Agency (CSA) to intervene and ensure due process is followed before any dismissals occur. They also demanded an investigation into the allegations of financial misconduct and mismanagement within the LRRRC.
Jeremiah Karngba, Secretary of Region 11 (Montserrado and Margibi Counties), also raised concerns about irregularities in the dismissal process. He explained that during January, February, and March, several employees, including himself and the regional coordinator, were not properly accounted for. Karngba pointed out inconsistencies in the dismissal list, noting that while two employees were initially listed for dismissal in March, more names were later added without explanation.
He also expressed frustration over the lack of communication, saying that some employees were given only a day’s notice of their dismissal without clear reasons.
Karngba highlighted that while some staff members were suspended, others were dismissed without clarity on their contractual status or performance issues. He emphasized the growing tension in his region, which has one of the highest employee counts, due to the management’s decision to dismiss staff who had worked on COVID-related projects. Despite fulfilling their duties and submitting attendance reports, the employees remain uncertain about their future and feel unfairly dismissed.
Karngba, who has served as a protection officer since 2012, called for fair treatment and better communication from the administration regarding the employment status of the affected staff. The employees remain resolute in their quest for justice, describing the work environment as increasingly hostile and unfair.
When contacted about the allegations, the Public Affairs Director of the LRRRC responded, “I am not in the country and cannot speak to something I have little to no knowledge about.”
