March 4, 2026-Margibi County — A leading labour rights advocate has accused the China Union Concession Company of undermining Liberian workers through alleged job displacement, unfair pay practices, and violations of key national labour policies.
Mr. George Tengbeh, Executive Director of the Liberia Labour and Governance Alliance, raised the alarm during a recent radio appearance, claiming that several positions that should be filled by qualified Liberians are instead being occupied by foreign nationals, particularly Chinese employees. He cited roles such as driving, mechanics, plumbing, and other technical positions as examples of jobs that he believes ought to be reserved primarily for Liberian citizens.
Tengbeh pointed to Article 18 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which guarantees all citizens equal opportunity for work and equal pay for equal work without discrimination. He argued that this constitutional protection is not being respected under the watch of the current Minister of Labour, Cooper Kruah, alleging a pattern in which the interests of foreign workers are placed above those of Liberians.
He further referenced Section 75 of Liberia’s Liberalization Policy, which states that no foreign employee should be paid at a rate different from that paid to Liberian citizens occupying the same post with equal skills. According to Tengbeh, this provision is being violated at the China Union concession, with disparities in wages and conditions between foreign and Liberian workers performing similar tasks.
In addition to alleged pay and hiring violations, Tengbeh claimed that the Ministry of Labour itself is compromised by political and regional influence. He asserted that the ministry is now dominated by individuals from Nimba County, whom he described as “Nimbaians,” suggesting that their influence under Minister Kruah has weakened impartial oversight of labour practices.
Tengbeh also accused some labour inspectors and commissioners of being “compromised” by business owners, arguing that this has led to poor enforcement of labour regulations and silence in the face of abuse. He alleged that when workers’ rights are violated, the ministry often fails to act decisively, leaving employees vulnerable and without effective recourse.
The labour campaigner called for strict adherence to employment and dismissal procedures, stressing the need for transparency, fairness, and accountability across the labour sector. He urged the government to ensure that concession agreements and workplace practices comply with national laws and prioritize Liberians in both skilled and unskilled roles, especially in companies benefiting from Liberia’s natural resources.
His claims come against the backdrop of long-running concerns over labour standards and foreign dominance in key sectors of Liberia’s economy, particularly in large concession operations. Whether Tengbeh’s latest allegations will trigger a formal investigation or policy review remains to be seen, but they have once again brought the treatment of Liberian workers into sharp national focus.
