MONROVIA — The International Labour Organization (ILO) has renewed its engagement with Liberia on the implementation of key labour initiatives and the rollout of the Decent Work Country Program (DWCP), following the recent reconciliation within the Liberia Labour Congress (LLC).
According to the Ministry of Labour, a high-level delegation from the ILO Regional Office for English-Speaking West Africa is currently in Liberia to re-engage members of the country’s Tripartite Council and revive labour programs that had previously stalled due to internal divisions within the LLC.
ILO Welcomes Reconciliation Within LLC
The visiting delegation praised the recent reconciliation efforts within the Liberia Labour Congress, noting that the renewed unity has created a more stable environment for collaboration among the three pillars of Liberia’s labour structure—government, employers, and workers.
The delegation stressed that social dialogue remains essential to advancing inclusive and sustainable labour reforms in the country.
Speaking during the engagement, the head of delegation, Innolata Aninyangarar, commended Labour Minister Cooper W. Kruah Sr. for his role in helping to resolve the leadership dispute within the LLC.
She explained that the mission seeks not only to strengthen engagement with Liberia’s social partners, but also to introduce a new ILO-supported project aimed at improving labour and employment outcomes.
Roadmap for Decent Work Program
Madam Aninyangarar disclosed that the ILO is prepared to support Liberia in developing a roadmap for the implementation of the Decent Work Country Program, which is already operational in countries including Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
She attributed the delay in Liberia’s rollout of the program to the earlier leadership crisis within the Liberia Labour Congress.
The DWCP is a four- to six-year strategic framework centered on three major priorities:
- Strengthening social dialogue
- Improving employment opportunities
- Developing a comprehensive national employment policy
The ILO also plans to support Liberia in areas such as technical and vocational education and training (TVET), employment promotion, disability inclusion, and labour-sector reforms.
Government Reaffirms Commitment
In response, Labour Minister Kruah welcomed the ILO delegation and reaffirmed Liberia’s readiness to fully participate in international labour initiatives.
He highlighted the Ministry’s role in facilitating reconciliation among factions within the LLC, describing unity within the labour movement as essential to advancing workers’ rights and national development.
The Minister further confirmed that Liberia’s Tripartite Delegation—comprising representatives from the LLC, the Liberia Chamber of Commerce (LCC), and the Government of Liberia—will participate in the upcoming International Labour Conference in Geneva next month.
Focus on Workers’ Rights and Labour Reform
Minister Kruah emphasized the importance of protecting workers’ rights in both the public and private sectors.
He noted that while Liberia’s Decent Work Act guarantees private-sector employees the right to unionize, public-sector workers are governed by the Civil Service Standing Orders, which also provide protections and allow the formation of associations.
The Labour Minister stressed that harmonizing Liberia’s labour laws—including the Decent Work Act and Civil Service Standing Orders—is achievable, but would require broad institutional collaboration, technical expertise, and extensive research.
Toward Inclusive Labour Development
Officials say the renewed partnership with the ILO marks an important step toward strengthening Liberia’s labour sector and expanding opportunities for workers, particularly young people and vulnerable groups.
The engagement also signals Liberia’s intention to deepen cooperation with international labour institutions while advancing reforms aimed at promoting decent work, social protection, and inclusive economic growth.
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