A labor dispute within the ArcelorMittal Liberia concession intensified on Tuesday when dozens of Afcons Infrastructure workers staged a work stoppage, demanding long‑delayed benefits they say the company has refused to settle.The workers gathered at the railroad crossing inside the concession area, abandoning their tools and vowing not to return to work until management addresses what they describe as persistent neglect of their welfare. According to the protesting employees, their decision followed months of unanswered complaints and unfulfilled promises from Afcons management regarding benefits tied to the hazardous nature of their assignments.
Several workers told reporters that their jobs often require them to operate in extremely risky conditions, especially while working over open water, which they believe entitles them to specific marine-related compensation. Emmanuel Peters, one of the spokespersons for the group, said the protest was a last resort after repeated attempts to engage management yielded no results. He emphasized that the workers have been patient for far too long, hoping the company would honor its obligations without the need for industrial action. Peters explained that the nature of their work exposes them to daily dangers, making the unpaid benefits not just a contractual issue but a matter of fairness and safety. “We laid down our tools because the company has failed to pay our benefits,” he said, standing among his colleagues at the protest site.
He added that the workers’ responsibilities over the sea require additional compensation, which they insist Afcons agreed to but has not delivered. Peters also expressed disappointment with national and local labor authorities, accusing them of failing to protect the rights of ordinary workers. According to him, officials from the Ministry of Labor and local labor commissioners have repeatedly assured the workers that their concerns would be addressed, but no meaningful action has followed. “The Labor Minister and the labor commissioner here continue to lie to us instead of ensuring that our concerns are addressed,” he said, voicing the frustration shared by many of the protesters. Other workers echoed similar sentiments, saying they feel abandoned by the very institutions meant to safeguard their rights and ensure compliance with labor laws. Some noted that the lack of intervention has emboldened the company to ignore their grievances, leaving them with no option but to take collective action.
The protest temporarily disrupted operations in the concession area, drawing attention from passersby and other employees who observed the demonstration from a distance.Workers said they intend to continue the strike until Afcons provides a clear and satisfactory response to their demands. They also called on the government to step in and ensure that companies operating in Liberia respect labor standards and honor agreements with employees.Community members living near the concession expressed concern that the dispute could escalate if not resolved promptly. Local observers say the standoff highlights broader tensions between foreign companies and Liberian workers, particularly around issues of safety, compensation, and accountability.
As of the time of reporting, Afcons Infrastructure had not released any official statement addressing the allegations or outlining steps to resolve the dispute. Workers say they remain hopeful that management will eventually engage them in good faith, but insist they will not resume duties until their benefits are paid. The situation continues to unfold, with both employees and observers awaiting a formal response from the company.
