Thousands of contract workers at Firestone Liberia LLC have launched an indefinite strike to protest poor working conditions and the lack of retirement benefits. The strike, which began on Thursday, involves around 70,000 non-permanent employees who are demanding better compensation and security for their years of service.
The workers are calling for the introduction of a retirement benefit, equal to one month’s wages for each year worked. Currently, employees receive no severance or retirement benefits upon leaving the company, leading to growing dissatisfaction among long-term workers. Marcus Blamah, Secretary-General of the National Timber, Wood, Construction & Allied Workers’ Union of Liberia, emphasized the importance of this benefit, noting that many workers have dedicated decades to the company without any form of retirement savings.
In addition to the retirement benefits, the workers are also demanding wage increases over the next three years. The proposed wage increments include an initial raise of $40 starting January 2025, followed by $20 in January 2026 and another $20 in January 2027. This demand reflects the workers’ concerns over stagnant wages and rising living costs.
The strike follows a deadlock in negotiations that took place nearly two months ago between the union and Firestone’s parent company, Bridgestone Americas Inc., based in Nashville, Tennessee. Blamah stated that the workers were committed to their cause, and that they would not allow employees who have worked for over 30 years to retire without receiving any benefits.
Firestone responded to the strike by urging the union to return to the negotiation table and for workers to resume their duties. In a statement, the company expressed regret over the failure to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement and reiterated its commitment to resolving the dispute through dialogue.
The government of Liberia is making efforts to mediate and prevent further escalation of the situation. Labor Minister Cooper Kruah confirmed that discussions were ongoing and that the government was actively working to ensure a peaceful resolution.
The strike could have wider implications for global supply chains, particularly Bridgestone’s tire production, which relies on rubber sourced from Liberia. Firestone, which has been a key player in the Liberian economy since the end of the civil war in 2003, has invested $1.3 billion into the country. This investment has helped Liberia become one of Africa’s leading rubber producers.
In 2022, Liberia produced 100,000 tons of rubber, making it the fourth-largest producer on the continent, behind Cameroon (300,000 tons), Nigeria (350,000 tons), and Ivory Coast (600,000 tons). The ongoing strike poses a potential disruption to rubber production, which could have significant repercussions for both Liberia’s economy and Bridgestone’s global supply network.