“Workings Halted at Firestone Liberia for Bad Labor Practices,” Workers Union States

HARBEL, LIBERIA — operations at Firestone Liberia’s sprawling rubber plantation and processing facilities have come to a complete standstill today, as thousands of workers launched a total shutdown to protest what they describe as “unbearable labor exploitation.” The protest has halted all activities at the company’s factory, garage, engineering units, and administrative departments, paralyzing one of Liberia’s largest private employers.

Aggrieved employees, who spoke anonymously to Kool 91.9FM/TV, allege systemic injustices, including unsafe working conditions, unpaid overtime, and wages they claim are “below subsistence levels.” “We’ve endured this for too long. Management ignores our grievances, and today we say enough,” one worker declared outside the shuttered factory gates.

Leadership of the Firestone Agricultural Workers Union (FAWU) is currently locked in an emergency meeting to strategize their response, raising speculation about a potential indefinite strike. Union insiders suggest the shutdown could escalate if demands for urgent dialogue with Firestone are not met.

Firestone Liberia, operating since 1926, has long been a polarizing entity in the region. While it remains a critical economic pillar—employing over 8,000 workers and supplying 10% of the global natural rubber market—it has faced decades of criticism over labor rights. Past disputes have centered on low wages, terrible living conditions, and hazardous exposure to chemicals.