The untold story of SRC’s trendy slavery

The Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) was compelled to close down final July following a violent protest by employees. The unrest was primarily triggered by poor residing circumstances, together with dilapidated property housing models, accusations of unhealthy labor practices, insufficient medical services, low wages, and high-interest loans given by managers. The protests resulted in vital injury to firm property, together with torching the administration constructing.

By Stephen G. Fellajuah

Margibi County, Liberia January 6, 2024— SRC, Liberia’s third-largest rubber producer, specializes within the manufacturing of semi-processed rubber for tire manufacturing. It was shaped in 2007 by a merger and, till lately, was owned by the Belgian multinational Socfin. The firm had been closely criticized for offering employees with substandard housing, a few of which was constructed within the Fifties, creating vital well being and security dangers.

Some of the earlier housing models

At least, that’s what is understood in public. But underneath these rubber bushes was an ongoing trendy slave syndicate operated by Liberians in senior administration positions, forcing tappers from the corporate’s tapping college to work as laborers on personal farms for his or her (supervisors’) profit.

Some college students graduating from the Tapping School additionally needed to share their salaries with their instant bosses in the event that they wished to be enlisted by the corporate. All these have been taking place underneath the noses of overseas managers with out the slightest inclination.

The syndicate succeeded through the former administration interval as a result of Weala, the neighborhood during which SRC is situated, is extremely conventional, and the tradition of silence reigns supreme for worry of retribution.

Under the situation of anonymity, formers tapping college students instructed tales of how they have been instructed to work on personal rubber farms as tappers for six months underneath the guise of internship whereas those that despatched them there collected their wages.

In some instances, college students have been despatched to the personal farms of a few of these black managers to work at no cost whereas promising them employment at SRC.

Camps being given a brand new look

Women cup cleaners have been paid US15 per thirty days by tappers. The girls stated they generally needed to combat and threatened to report back to administration earlier than the meager quantity was paid. However, the storylines are altering underneath the brand new possession.

A Change in Leadership

Blocks for the development of extra models

The firm underwent a major shift in possession final 12 months when it was acquired by Indian businessman Dr. Upjit Sinch Sachdeva, generally often called Mr. Jeety, in Liberia. Although the precise value paid for the acquisition has not been disclosed, this transition marked a turning level for the corporate and its employees. A current investigative tour by The New Dawn on January 3, 2025, sought to evaluate whether or not the issues underneath the earlier administration had been addressed underneath the brand new management.

Reports point out that lots of the earlier grievances, together with poor housing, insufficient medical care, and unfair labor practices, have been addressed since Mr. Jeety took over. Workers, notably tappers, have reported noticeable enhancements of their working setting.

Improvements in Healthcare Services

(l-r) a Liberian nurse on the SRC Health Center with Dr. Malik the resident doctor

One of essentially the most vital modifications underneath the brand new administration was revamping the SRC-Jeety Conglomerate Health Center. Dr. Ahson Malik, the overall doctor, defined that the clinic had been non-operational for a number of months earlier than Mr. Jeety’s intervention.

“He refurbished the facility, recruited staff, and expanded services. The clinic now operates 24/7 and offers emergency care, deliveries for pregnant women, outpatient services, and more.”

A partial view of the well being heart

Medical providers for SRC workers and their dependents are freed from cost, and costs for sure providers, comparable to supply, have been considerably lowered. Delivery charges, which beforehand ranged between 5,000 to 7,000 Liberian {dollars}, have been lowered to only 1,000 Liberian {dollars}.

The clinic additionally gives free therapy for sexually transmitted illnesses, together with HIV, syphilis, and malaria. Dr. Malik famous that though the clinic faces challenges, comparable to restricted providers and the dearth of an ambulance, its affected person consumption has steadily elevated, signaling rising belief within the facility.

“We see 20 to 25 patients daily and address emergency services like deliveries at night,” he added. “We are coordinating with the Community Health Team on malaria and TB programs and conducting training to gather progress reports.”

Improved Working Conditions and Pay

Tappers talking with journalists

Several employees shared their experiences underneath the brand new administration, highlighting pay, housing, and job safety enhancements. Joseph Sackie, Camp Two Master, acknowledged that issues have considerably improved in comparison with the earlier administration, particularly concerning employee satisfaction.

Fatu Fallah, a cup cleaner, expressed gratitude for her pay increase underneath the brand new administration. She used to earn solely US$15 a month underneath the previous system however now takes house US$85 per thirty days after taxes, plus a 25kg bag of rice. This improve has profoundly impacted her potential to assist her household.

“The job we are doing now, we can tell God and Mr. Jeety thank you because first, we were doing this work under a tapper who used to pay us US$15 per month. But during that time, receiving payment became difficult, and we used to pressure the supervisor,” Fatu Fallah lamented.

Other employees additionally reported receiving Christmas bonuses, housing enhancements, and wage advances. Abenego S. Cooper, an Estate One supervisor, famous that housing, the plantation college, and the clinic had all improved considerably since Mr. Jeety took over.

However, regardless of the progress, some employees, comparable to James Teah, a head assistant, urged the administration to extend the bonuses additional to maintain morale excessive. While he’s nonetheless ready for a housing unit, he expressed optimism concerning the future.

“For example, it was difficult before Jeety took over when we used to go to the clinic to get treatment. We would sit the whole day and receive just one scrip of tablets. I suffered from a cold and had to treat myself at my own cost at different clinic, and the money was never refunded. But under Jeety, we are seeing improvement. My son is in school, which I pay US$25 for annually,” Mr. Teah stated. He additionally urged Mr. Jeety to extend the bonuses, as it could inspire the employees.

Housing Issues Persist

These housing models above have been constructed within the late Fifties

While enhancements have been made, housing stays a major concern. Bigboy Todd, Camp One Master, defined that lots of the housing models are nonetheless in poor situation, and there should not sufficient to accommodate all employees. However, Mr. Jeety has began renovations and promised to construct extra models sooner or later. This has introduced some aid to the employees, however the demand for higher housing stays excessive.

Other employees, like Anthony Tardee, a tapper, recalled how life underneath the earlier administration was troublesome, with insufficient medical care and poor therapy from administration. However, Tardee famous that the state of affairs has improved underneath the brand new administration, particularly with higher entry to healthcare on the SRC clinic.

Tackling Loan Practices and Corruption

Another space that has seen enchancment is the mortgage system. Under the earlier administration, some employees have been compelled to take out loans with exorbitant rates of interest, creating monetary hardship. Roland S. Johnson, the pinnacle of contractors, defined that underneath Mr. Jeety, there’s now a better deal with securing housing for employees, and the mortgage system is being restructured to make sure equity and transparency, with no curiosity charged.

However, some employees, like Jacob Folley, reported being requested to pay for housing underneath earlier administration underneath doubtful circumstances. Despite these points, many employees consider issues are shifting in the appropriate course underneath Mr. Jeety’s management.

Education Initiatives

The SRC School System (SRCSS) has benefited from Mr. Jeety’s funding. Principal Cuthbert Williams reported that the varsity, which additionally serves surrounding villages, was in poor situation earlier than Mr. Jeety’s acquisition. Since then, vital renovations have been made, together with repairs to the flooring, roof, and employees housing. Additionally, Mr. Jeety launched a feeding program and promised scholarships to college students who excel within the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams.

The college has additionally launched a coverage aimed toward bettering academic outcomes by making certain that each one employees are correctly compensated and supported with housing, medical advantages, and bonuses. Mr. Jeety has promised to introduce night time classes on the college to accommodate workers who’re busy through the day.

“Jeety’s intervention with the feeding program has improved standards and increased performance. He has also promised that if all 12th graders score high marks (Division One) in WAEC, they will be given scholarships to study in India,” Mr. Williams stated emphatically.

Refurbished bathrooms

Mr. Jeety can also be placing techniques in place for the varsity to start operating night time classes to accommodate workers and residents who’re busy through the day. “We have a big task to perform when it comes to merit,” he added.

While there are nonetheless challenges to deal with, the modifications underneath Mr. Jeety’s management have introduced noticeable enhancements to the Salala Rubber Corporation. Workers are benefiting from higher residing and dealing circumstances, improved healthcare, and better wages. The progress in schooling and healthcare additional highlights the constructive course during which the corporate is heading. The shift in administration marks a turning level for SRC employees as they proceed to work towards a greater future for themselves and their households. -Editing by Othello B. Garblah.