By Vaye Abel Lepolu
vayelepolu446@gmail.com
Monrovia — In a united show of strength and solidarity, Liberia’s major labor unions—including the Civil Servants Association of Liberia (CSAL), the National Teachers Association, the National Health Workers Union, and the Liberia Labor Congress—issued a joint statement today to mark International Workers’ Day, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to defending workers’ rights across the country.
Speaking at a press conference, CSAL President Mr. Moinbah Johnson emphasized the significance of May 1st, known globally as International Workers’ Day or May Day, which commemorates the historical struggles and victories of the labor movement. He traced the origins of the day to the 1886 Haymarket Riot in Chicago and the first May Day march in New York City in 1909.
“While we are not engaging in a march today, circumstances dictate that we issue this statement to protect the gains made for ordinary workers of Liberia,” said Mr. Johnson.
The statement highlighted international and national frameworks that support labor rights, particularly the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 87—ratified by Liberia in 1962—which protects the right to freedom of association. It also referenced the 1847 and 1986 Liberian Constitutions, both of which enshrine the right to peaceful assembly and equal opportunity in employment.
Condemnation of Supreme Court Ruling
This year’s Workers’ Day comes amid growing unease following a controversial ruling by the Supreme Court of Liberia on April 23, 2025. The ruling declared all legislative sessions presided over by Deputy Speaker Hon. Richard Koon unconstitutional, casting doubt over the legitimacy of the 2025 National Budget, which includes salaries and benefits for thousands of public sector employees.
Mr. Johnson criticized the Court’s decision, calling it a “grave error” that threatens national governance and economic stability.
“If enforced as it stands, not only will the operations of the Liberian government come to a standstill, but those of us who have already received payments from the 2025 budget may be forced to repay them. Such a scenario is unjust and inhumane,” he stated.
He further argued that the Supreme Court’s involvement in what he described as a political dispute within the House of Representatives is undermining the very citizens the Constitution was meant to protect.
A Call for Unity and Action
Mr. Johnson invoked Article 18 of the 1986 Constitution, which guarantees equal employment opportunities for all Liberians, regardless of background or political affiliation. He warned that the Court’s ruling jeopardizes this constitutional promise, not just for public workers but for all Liberians.
“We call on all branches of government—the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary—to act in the interest of national stability and the welfare of the Liberian people. We appeal for immediate dialogue, corrective action, and a reaffirmation of the constitutional rights and economic security of all workers,” he urged.
Public sector workers across the country echoed these sentiments, expressing fears that their livelihoods could be in jeopardy. “This isn’t just about legality; it’s about survival,” said one teacher. “The Constitution was not written to punish ordinary people.”
As the crisis unfolds, the labor unions are calling on Liberians to stand in solidarity to defend justice, fairness, and responsible governance.
“Let Workers’ Day 2025 not be remembered as a day when our rights were threatened, but as the moment when the people of Liberia stood together for a better future,” Mr. Johnson concluded.
