The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning in Liberia is currently facing unrest from casual workers belonging to the Temporary Employment for Community Youth (TECY). These workers conducted a protest demanding the payment of US$250,000 in salaries owed to them for their work undertaken prior to the inauguration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. in January 2024. They were initially contracted to clean the streets of Monrovia but have since extended their services under the impression that their wages would soon be processed, even though their official contracts have ended.
The protesters, who have expressed growing frustration over the unpaid salaries, reported having engaged with both lawmakers and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to secure their remuneration. Although they were assured that funds for their payment were included in the national budget for 2024, no payments have been made to date. The workers claimed that after budget approval, a payment plan was submitted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports to the Ministry of Finance, but there has been a lack of action regarding the disbursement of these funds. Momo Brow, one of the protest leaders, emphasized the disappointment faced by his peers, as they were led to believe that payments would commence in July.
Compounding their distress, the workers learned from Augustin Ngafuan, the current Minister of Finance and Development Planning, that only $150,000 was available for salary payments, which falls short of the total amount owed. Ngafuan explained that the funds at hand were insufficient to cover the accumulated salaries, as the minimum wage for government employees is approximately $80 per month. This situation has only exacerbated the workers’ grievances, as they have gone without pay since January of 2024, despite their ongoing efforts and the government’s assurances.
In light of their financial hardships and the government’s continued inaction, the TECY workers escalated their protest, disrupting traffic as a means of drawing attention to their plight. During this demonstration, the protesters pressured officials from the Ministry of Finance to address their concerns in a more urgent manner. Representatives from the ministry promised that they would establish a team dedicated to expediting the payments owed to the workers. The commitment made by the officials provides a glimmer of hope for the workers, albeit it remains uncertain whether this promise will translate into appropriate actions and timely disbursements.
The situation highlights a troubling gap between government commitment and action in Liberia, particularly in the context of wage payments for temporary workers. Despite assurances and the allocation of budgetary resources, the apparent inability or unwillingness to release the funds has left many individuals and families in difficult situations, dependent on these wages for their livelihoods. This ongoing struggle reflects broader challenges faced by casual workers in the country, who often bear the brunt of administrative inefficiencies and bureaucratic delays in several sectors, including public services.
As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the pressing demands of the TECY workers and whether they can deliver on their promises to ensure that these workers receive their much-needed salaries. The outcome of this situation could serve as a critical test of the new administration’s commitment to addressing the needs and rights of casual workers in Liberia, especially at a time when the country is striving to rebuild its image and improve the welfare of its citizens post-inauguration. The eyes of many stakeholders, including civil society groups and human rights advocates, will be closely watching the steps taken by the government in the coming days and weeks.
