— BaoChiCo Workers Cry Out
By: G. Bennie Bravo Johnson, I
Employees of Bao Chico Mining Company have described their working conditions as “total suffering,” marked by blatant and exploitative labor practices.
Expressing their grievances during President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s tour of the construction of the company’s shipping pier, the contractors revealed that harsh and inhumane conditions dominate the worksite.
“We are going through a lot of challenges with this company. We don’t have any lunchtime. There is no food, no water, and most of all, the salary is extremely low.” The workers’ spokesperson, who preferred anonymity for fear of victimization, disclosed that for the last three years, Bao Chico has not employed a single worker permanently, relying instead on daily hires.
“All of us working here are daily hires. Many of us have been here for three years, but we have never been employed. Sometimes when the rain falls, they send us home, and when the rainy season ends, they tell us to come back.” The contractors appealed directly to the national government to urgently intervene and compel management to respect basic labor standards.
“We want the government to come to our aid and engage the management so the right things can be done.”
They further warned that the physically demanding and unsafe work environment poses serious risks to life and health. “For three years there has been no employment. When injury occurs, you are only given first aid, and afterward you must use your own money to seek medical treatment,” an aggrieved worker added. The workers also disclosed that no accommodation exists at the mining site, forcing laborers who travel long distances to fend for themselves.
“There is no sleeping place.” Despite their frustration, workers said the President’s visit brought renewed hope. “Seeing the President here gives us joy. We cannot be slaves in our own country. The ore being mined by the Chinese is not renewable. What will happen to our future and our children’s future when it is finished?” They lamented that wages are so low that workers must save for three months just to pay their children’s school fees, calling the situation “completely wrong.”
“We are glad the President came, because it is the government that must intervene for the Chinese to do something positive.” Meanwhile, President Boakai described Bao Chico as a viable economic operation that uses Liberia’s major roads and public facilities, stressing the government’s responsibility to protect public interest. “Bao Chico is a viable economic operation in Liberia and a user of major roads and economic facilities. We want to ensure that they provide safety to the public.”
He explained that his visit was intended to ensure the company operates efficiently for the benefit of both the public and the company. “I am here to ensure that the company operates in an efficient way that will benefit both the public and the company.” However, President Boakai declined to state whether the company’s operational license has been restored.
“I don’t know about their permit. We have people responsible for that,” he said, adding that he has instructed relevant ministries and agencies to coordinate efforts to ensure the public benefits.
“Let the relevant ministries and agencies coordinate to streamline their operation here in the interest of the public, so they can provide safety and economic benefits,” the President stated.
