Monrovia- October 31, 2022: The Leadership of the House of Representatives Monday, 31st October met with the management of Firestone Rubber Company.

Discussions on the full implementation and compliance to the current Concession Agreement entered into between the Government of the Republic of Liberia and Firestone and Firestone Liberia LLC, the general operations of the company, welfare of workers, good healthcare, education, good housing facilities, clinic, sanitation, and safety measures and among others were key to the lawmakers.

The lawmakers expressed concerns over the following; how redundancy is being carried out, the death of a lil girl Mary Dahn who reportedly felt in a pit and the level of Managerial positions given to Liberians.

Mr. Seamus Gunton, General Manager Firestone Liberia LLC thanked the lawmaker for the concerns raised and promised to submit a full documentation of all those requested by the lawmakers.

On the issue regarding the lil girl, the general Manager said the matter is currently under investigation by the police.

In his presentation he stated that In terms of the general welfare of their employees, contractors and their dependents, Firestone Liberia follows the terms and conditions outlined in the Concession Agreement.

He said their compliance to the Concession Agreement is monitored by the National Bureau of Concessions, which last visited the Company in 2020 and no issues were raised.

The Firestone General Manager also told the lawmakers that their wages/salaries comply with the Decent Work Act for the minimum wage compensation and are complimented with other benefits.

He further mentioned that their contract tappers provide schooling and medical via a subsidy.

For his part Margibi County District#2 Representative Ivar Jones was quick to raise the issue of pension scheme for workers of Firestone because according to him after those workers had worked many years there is nothing given to them as pension benefits to survive on.

The leadership has since requested the company to submit information on their NASSCORP contributions aimed at knowing what becomes of the workers’ pension benefits.

The meeting was cordial as the company was represented in full by the general manager, Human Resource, Financial Controller, Government Relations etc…

The Company promised to work along with the Government of Liberia aimed at meeting the needs of her citizens.