This is the first time in the history of Liberia that workers in Grand Gedeh County are to be represented by a trade union. The mine currently employs 580 workers but this is expected to grow to 2,600 by mid 2013.
David Sackoh, General Secretary of UWUL acknowledges the solidarity support his union has received, in particular from United Steelworkers and the Solidarity Centre.
"We want to use this opportunity to express our profound thanks and appreciation to all our partners who supported our organizing campaign in Putu," said Sackoh. "These brothers and sisters have worked with us over the past 7 years to build a useful labour movement in post war Liberia, and wish to encourage you to continue in the spirit of solidarity."
Reacting to the good news, USW International Vice President, Fred Redmond said “The USW extends its congratulations to the members of UWUL who have achieved a landmark collective bargaining agreement which ensures that the people who create the wealth through their hard work will share in the prosperity."
"These achievements are only possible when workers come together and organize and UWUL is leading the way in Liberia when it comes to building power for its members." said Redmond. "Through our joint work the USW and UWUL will continue to build a global labour movement that can demand fair treatment from transnational companies.”