USW congratulates Liberian rubber workers on labour pact

Tire Business staff report

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - The United Steelworkers (USW) has welcomed the signing of a labour agreement between Firestone Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia (FAWUL) and Bridgestone/Firestone (BFS).

The new collective bargaining agreement covers more than 4000 union members and provides what the USW described as “significant gains” for workers at one of the world's largest rubber plantations.

The union said in a prepared statement that contract highlights include wage increases of 24 percent for rubber tappers, retroactive to the expiration of a previous agreement in January 2007; a 20-percent reduction (150 trees) of the daily rubber tree quota for tappers; and transportation for bringing latex to weigh stations. Previously, the USW said tappers had to walk long distances with 150 pounds of latex yoked to their backs.

BFS said it was pleased with the new contract. “The terms of the contract are beneficial for the company and our employees as we continue to rebuild after 14 years of civil war,” the tire maker said.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)

Press release from USW.