LIBERIA – The Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) is facing a deepening crisis as workers accuse Director-General Eugene L. Fahngon of creating a hostile and unsustainable working environment. In a press statement issued on November 11, 2024, and signed by Workers’ Union President Joseph Sayon, employees expressed grave concerns about Fahngon’s leadership style, which they claim has battered morale, disrupted productivity, and jeopardized the institution’s public mandate.
At the heart of the controversy is Fahngon’s alleged authoritarian approach to management. Employees accuse him of making unilateral decisions without consulting senior managers or departmental heads, bypassing standard protocols and creating an atmosphere of fear and resentment. This management style, according to the union, has undermined transparency, stifled collaboration, and fostered a toxic work environment.
One of the most critical issues raised by the Workers’ Union is the absence of basic health and accident insurance for employees. This lack of coverage leaves workers vulnerable to financial hardship in the event of medical emergencies or workplace accidents. Despite repeated calls for reform, Fahngon has reportedly failed to address this critical need, placing the welfare of employees at significant risk.
Compounding these problems is the issue of delayed payments to contractors, many of whom depend on their work at LBS to support their families. The union revealed that payment delays often stretch for months, causing unnecessary financial distress. This instability has created a sense of distrust and frustration among contractors, further weakening the institution’s operational efficiency.
Employees also allege that salaries for LBS staff fall below the standards set by the Civil Service Agency (CSA), violating national labor laws and worsening financial struggles. These substandard wages, combined with payment inconsistencies, have contributed to widespread dissatisfaction and demoralization among workers. The union is demanding immediate salary adjustments to meet CSA guidelines and ensure fair compensation for employees.
Another serious accusation against Fahngon is his alleged verbal abuse of senior colleagues. The Workers’ Union claims that Fahngon has repeatedly disrespected members of the management team, disrupting workplace harmony and tarnishing the reputation of LBS as a government institution. Such behavior, they argue, sets a poor example for leadership and undermines the cooperative functioning of the organization.
The union further alleges that Fahngon has frequently threatened employees with dismissal, creating a hostile work environment where staff members fear for their job security. These threats, coupled with his authoritarian management style, have reportedly left employees feeling undervalued and powerless, eroding trust in the institution’s leadership.
Poor communication between Fahngon and employees is another major concern. The union claims that staff members often learn about significant decisions affecting their work through informal channels rather than official communication. This breakdown in communication has led to confusion and frustration, further straining relationships within the institution.
The lack of professional development programs and mental health support has also drawn criticism from the union. Employees report that there are no opportunities for training or skill enhancement, nor any resources to support their mental well-being. This neglect, they argue, reflects a broader disregard for employee welfare under Fahngon’s leadership.
Infrastructure challenges and resource shortages are yet another area of concern. Employees allege that they are often forced to work with inadequate equipment and supplies, hampering their ability to perform their duties effectively. The union has called for immediate improvements to the physical work environment to ensure that employees have the tools they need to succeed.
The union also criticized Fahngon for ignoring or dismissing employee grievances. Workers claim that when they raise concerns or report issues affecting their work, they are often met with indifference. This practice, they argue, leaves employees feeling undervalued and undermines efforts to address systemic problems within the organization.
In their press statement, the Workers’ Union outlined a series of demands, including the immediate implementation of insurance coverage, fair and timely compensation, improved infrastructure, and the establishment of a grievance redressal mechanism. They also called for regular communication and respectful treatment of all staff members, emphasizing that these reforms are essential to restoring morale and functionality at LBS.
The union has urged the Liberian government, the LBS Board of Directors, and relevant authorities to intervene and address these issues promptly. They warned that failure to act would leave them with no choice but to consider lawful industrial actions to protect their rights and ensure accountability.
The unfolding crisis at LBS highlights broader governance failures within state institutions. As Liberia’s flagship public broadcaster, LBS plays a critical role in disseminating information and fostering public discourse. However, the internal discord under Fahngon’s leadership threatens to undermine the institution’s credibility and its ability to serve the public.
The Workers’ Union has vowed to continue fighting for meaningful reforms to protect employee rights and ensure the integrity of LBS. As the situation evolves, all eyes are on the Liberian government and the LBS Board of Directors to determine whether they will act decisively to resolve the crisis or allow it to fester, further damaging the nation’s trust in its public institutions.
