BONG COUNTY — Bong County District Seven Representative, Foday Fahnbulleh, has delivered a strong message to the management of China Union, demanding immediate improvements in labor conditions and greater respect for the rights and welfare of Liberian workers operating within the company’s concession area in Fuamah District.
The lawmaker’s visit last week to the concession site, accompanied by local contractors, workers, and community stakeholders, has generated significant public attention across District Seven, especially amid growing concerns over alleged poor labor practices, unsafe working conditions, and the company’s failure to adequately fulfil its social responsibilities to affected communities.
Representative Fahnbulleh, who represents the people of Fuamah and Sanoyea Districts in the House of Representatives, used the occasion to directly engage the management team of China Union over what he described as troubling reports emerging from workers and residents within the concession communities.
During the meeting, several labor-related concerns were reportedly raised, including delayed salary payments, unfair dismissals, inadequate protective equipment, unsafe job environments, poor accommodation for workers, and the repeated use of short-term employment contracts that continue to create fear and uncertainty among employees.
According to community members, these issues have persisted for months, leaving many workers frustrated and struggling to support their families despite the presence of one of the country’s major concession companies operating in the area.
Speaking during the engagement, Representative Fahnbulleh maintained that workers within the concession area deserve fairness, dignity, and protection under the labor laws of the Republic of Liberia.
The District Seven lawmaker stressed that no company operating within Liberia should be allowed to place profit above the well-being of workers and local residents whose lands and resources support concession activities. “Workers deserve better,” Representative Fahnbulleh declared while addressing the gathering.
“These conditions are unacceptable and cannot continue. Liberian workers deserve respect, safe working conditions, timely salaries, and equal opportunities. As lawmakers and representatives of the people, we have a duty to ensure that companies operating within our communities comply with the laws of Liberia and treat our citizens with dignity.”
The lawmaker further disclosed that the delegation conducted a comprehensive assessment of the concession area and identified several major concerns affecting both workers and surrounding communities.
According to him, workers complained about the absence of proper employment contracts, lack of sanitation facilities, limited access to safe drinking water, and inadequate transportation arrangements to and from work sites.
He also raised concerns about what he described as the company’s failure to create sufficient employment opportunities for qualified local residents, many of whom continue to remain unemployed despite living within the concession area. Representative Fahnbulleh warned that concession agreements must benefit local communities and not leave residents suffering in poverty while foreign companies continue to profit from Liberia’s natural resources.
As Chairman on Concession and Investment in the House of Representatives, Representative Fahnbulleh emphasized that his office remains committed to ensuring that concession companies respect labor standards, comply with investment agreements, and contribute meaningfully to national and community development.
Political observers say his intervention reflects growing pressure on concession operators across Liberia to become more transparent and responsive to the concerns of ordinary citizens affected by their operations. During the meeting, the District Seven lawmaker reportedly reminded the management of China Union that concession companies are expected not only to generate economic activity but also to support social development initiatives, including education, healthcare, road maintenance, sanitation, and youth empowerment programs within host communities.
The meeting has also sparked discussions regarding previous allegations by some critics who claimed that Representative Fahnbulleh maintained a close relationship with the management of China Union.
However, many residents and attendees at the engagement believe the lawmaker’s strong criticism of the company completely dismisses such claims. Several community members argued that no lawmaker accused of being aligned with concession management would publicly confront the company over labor abuses and demand immediate reforms in defense of struggling workers and local contractors.
Residents who formed part of the engagement praised the District Seven Representative for what they described as a courageous and timely intervention. A community member, Daniel K. Garlaye, described the lawmaker’s actions as a major source of hope for workers and local residents. “Representative Fahnbulleh spoke directly and fearlessly to the management team,” he stated. “Many workers have been suffering silently because they felt nobody was listening to them. But during this meeting, the representative clearly showed that he is prepared to defend the interests of the people who elected him. He raised serious issues affecting workers and demanded solutions from the company. That is leadership, and our communities appreciate his efforts.”
Another resident, Mary S. Tulay, also commended the lawmaker for standing with ordinary workers during a difficult period. “The representative did not go there to make empty promises,” she explained. “He went there to hold the company accountable for the treatment of workers and the conditions affecting our communities. Many of us were impressed by the seriousness with which he addressed the concerns raised during the meeting. He spoke strongly about delayed salaries, unsafe job sites, and the lack of opportunities for local residents. His actions proved that he genuinely cares about the welfare of workers and the future of our district.”
Meanwhile, a local contractor, James T. Karmo, called on China Union to act quickly on the concerns raised during the engagement. “The workers are tired of the hardships,” he said. “People are working under difficult conditions, and many families are struggling because salaries are delayed and contracts are uncertain. We appreciate Representative Fahnbulleh for bringing these issues directly to the company’s management. We now hope that China Union will take concrete action to improve conditions and restore confidence among workers and local contractors.”
Following the meeting, Representative Fahnbulleh confirmed that China Union management acknowledged the concerns presented during the engagement and agreed to reconvene with stakeholders to provide responses and outline measures aimed at addressing the identified issues.
The lawmaker vowed to continue standing with workers and residents until meaningful improvements are achieved. “We will not remain silent while our people continue to face unfair labor practices and difficult working conditions,” he asserted. “The rights and welfare of our workers must remain a national priority, and we will continue to push for accountability, fairness, and respect for Liberian workers.”
