MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Civil Servants Association of Liberia has made a fervent plea for the immediate cancellation of the harmonization policy, a controversial initiative introduced by the previous administration of former President George Weah. The Association’s President, Moibah Johnson, has described the policy as a serious disaster, alleging that it has inflicted undue hardship on civil servants across the country.
The harmonization policy, implemented by the Weah government, sought to rationalize and standardize the salaries of civil servants, ostensibly to ensure equity and efficiency in the public sector. However, according to Johnson, the actual impact of the policy has been far from its intended goals. Instead, he argues that it has led to a significant reduction in the salaries of civil servants, exacerbating their already challenging economic circumstances.
Johnson emphasized that civil servants play a crucial role in the functioning of the Liberian government and society at large, often working under difficult conditions to deliver essential services to the public. He expressed concern that the continued implementation of the harmonization policy would further demoralize civil servants, potentially leading to a decline in productivity and service delivery.
The Association’s call for the cancellation of the harmonization policy comes amidst growing discontent among civil servants over the government’s handling of economic issues. Many civil servants have complained about the high cost of living and the erosion of their purchasing power, attributing these challenges in part to the impact of the harmonization policy.
In response to the Association’s demands, the Liberian government has stated that it is committed to addressing the concerns of civil servants and ensuring that their welfare is prioritized. However, the government has also indicated that any decision regarding the harmonization policy would need to be carefully considered in the context of broader economic reforms.
The call for the cancellation of the harmonization policy underscores the challenges facing the Liberian government as it seeks to navigate a complex economic landscape while balancing the interests of various stakeholders. As civil servants continue to voice their grievances, the government faces increasing pressure to find sustainable solutions that address the concerns of all parties involved.
Recently, Representative Eugene J.M. Kollie of Bong County’s district #5 has called on the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to provide clarity to the House of Representatives regarding the Unity Party government’s intentions to de-harmonize civil servants’ salaries. These salaries were harmonized during the administration of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
The request from the Bong County lawmaker was conveyed through a letter addressed to the House Speaker, J. Fonati Koffa, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, during the first extraordinary session of the 55th National Legislature. Representative Kollie emphasized the importance of prioritizing the welfare and benefits of civil servants, urging the government to disclose its plan in light of the current draft fiscal budget.
In addition to his request, Representative Kollie’s letter highlighted the need for the Minister to appear before the House’s Committee on Lands, Mines, Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment to address the de-harmonization issue raised by civil servants. He stressed that the welfare of government workers, particularly civil servants, should be a top priority for lawmakers, as they directly represent the people nationwide.
Specific emphasis was placed on health workers in Representative Kollie’s letter, whom he described as a national concern. Following the reading of the communication, Nimba County’s district #2 Representative, Nyan Flomo, proposed a motion to forward the letter to the House’s Joint Committee on Ways, Means, Finance, Public Accounts, and Expenditures for prompt action, given that the 2024 draft fiscal budget is currently under scrutiny.
