Senator Momo T. Cyrus, Chair of the Liberian Senate Committee on Defense, Intelligence, Security, and Veteran Affairs, has voiced strong opposition to a proposal by the Ministry of Labor and the Workers Union of Liberia to unionize private security personnel, particularly those employed at the ArcelorMittal Liberia concession area. Senator Cyrus contends that such a move poses a significant threat to national security and could destabilize the country’s peace. His primary concern revolves around the potential disruption to security operations, particularly within vital sectors like mining, if private security forces are allowed to unionize. He argues that the unique nature of private security work, focused on protecting lives and property, requires a different approach than traditional labor sectors.
The Senator highlights the historical context of private security in Liberia, portraying it as an informal sector dating back to the 1950s. He questions the rationale behind specifically targeting ArcelorMittal Liberia for unionization while other foreign concession companies, such as Bea Mountain and China Union, remain unaffected. This selective approach raises suspicions for Senator Cyrus, who views it as a potential contradiction and a cause for deeper scrutiny. He emphasizes the need for a comprehensive discussion involving all stakeholders before any decision is made on unionizing the private security sector.
Senator Cyrus advocates for a more holistic approach to formalizing and regulating the private security industry. He acknowledges the need for improved working conditions, better wages, and standardized practices within the sector but insists that unionization is premature. He suggests focusing on establishing a formal framework, which would include standardized pricing and regulations, before considering unionization. This framework, in his view, would elevate the professionalism of the industry and ensure fair compensation for security personnel.
The Senator underscores the crucial role of the Ministry of Justice, specifically its Public Safety Department, in regulating private security activities. He believes that any discussion regarding unionization must involve both the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Justice to thoroughly assess the potential security implications. Senator Cyrus argues that private security personnel, much like public security forces such as the Liberian National Police and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, cannot be unionized due to their crucial role in safeguarding lives and property. Allowing them to unionize, he contends, could create conflicts of interest and compromise their ability to perform their duties effectively.
He draws parallels between private security forces and public security agencies, stressing that both are responsible for protecting lives and property, and therefore, should not be subject to unionization. This argument stems from the belief that unionization could introduce competing loyalties, potentially hindering the ability of security personnel to prioritize public safety. Senator Cyrus reiterates his commitment to engaging with the Ministries of Labor and Justice to prevent the implementation of the proposed unionization plan, which he believes could have negative consequences for the country’s security landscape.
In conclusion, Senator Cyrus’s opposition to the proposed unionization of private security personnel is grounded in his concerns for national security and the stability of Liberia. He views the proposal as a potential threat to vital industries and critical infrastructure, urging a more cautious and comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of private security workers. He advocates for prioritizing the formalization and standardization of the industry before considering unionization, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and collaboration between all stakeholders to find a solution that protects both workers’ rights and the country’s security interests.
