MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Liberian Senate under the leadership of President Pro Tempore Madam Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence has refuted recent allegations by the Senate Staffers Association that it has failed to pay benefits for an extended sitting mandated last December. The claims, described by Senate leadership as misleading, have intensified tensions as staffers threaten to disrupt the legislative calendar if their demands are not met.
In a statement issued on Friday, January 10, 2025, the Senate called the accusations unfortunate, emphasizing that they do not reflect the facts. According to the release, signed by Siafa Jallah, Deputy Director for Broadcast, Press, and Public Affairs, the Senate leadership has assured staffers that the funds for the extra sittings were incorporated into the 2025 national budget and would be disbursed during its implementation.
Senator J. Gbleh-bo Brown, Chair of the Senate Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration, had previously engaged with the staffers, explaining the timeline for payments. The Senate reiterated that it has maintained a consistent track record of honoring commitments under its current leadership, including the timely disbursement of benefits for similar sessions in the past.
Despite these assurances, staffers have expressed mounting frustration, accusing the Senate of failing to act with urgency. On January 7, the Senate Staffers Association issued a four-day ultimatum, demanding payment of their benefits by January 11. They warned of their intention to disrupt the reopening of the Senate’s session on January 13 if the issue remains unresolved.
The situation has drawn attention to broader concerns over the Senate’s relationship with its staff. While the Senate highlighted efforts to address key welfare issues—such as improving transportation, water supply, and training opportunities—staffers have criticized what they perceive as systemic inefficiencies that hinder progress. The staff leadership’s decision to make their grievances public has been labeled by the Senate as an unfair breach of the mutual understanding between both parties.
This brewing standoff is not without precedent. In September 2024, Senate staffers staged a lockdown of the Capitol Building, barring lawmakers from accessing their offices until certain demands were met. Although those protests resulted in promises from the Senate leadership, staffers now claim that many of the commitments remain unfulfilled, further deepening mistrust.
One aggrieved staffer, speaking under anonymity, expressed frustration over the prolonged delays. “If nothing is done by January 11, the Senate will not be able to open on the 13th,” they warned. The staffers argue that such delays undermine morale and point to a recurring pattern of neglect that disrupts institutional harmony.
The Senate leadership, however, has urged calm, reaffirming its commitment to resolving the matter in a timely manner. In its statement, the Senate called for dialogue and patience, emphasizing its intention to build on past successes in meeting staff needs. Whether this reassurance will be sufficient to avert a looming showdown remains to be seen.
