MONROVIA – The Civil Service Agency (CSA) under its Director General, Josiah F. Joekai, has summoned the Minister of Labour, Cllr. Cooper Kruah, for a conference to address allegations of wrongful dismissal filed by employees of the Ministry of Labor. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo, Monrovia.
The complaint, lodged by Samuel Sambola S. and others, accuses the Ministry of Labor of illegal and unprocedural dismissals. The CSA communication, citing section 6.3.7.a of its standing orders, stated that parties may be represented by a person of their choosing, including a lawyer, although the hearing will be informal and rules of evidence will not apply. Mr. Joekai emphasized the need for the Ministry’s cooperation to ensure a prompt resolution.
The dismissed employees—Samuel S. Sambolah, HIV/AIDS focal person; Victor S. Whymah, Planning Officer; Edwin S. Sebo, Child Labor Monitor; and Bill S. Ninneh, Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Minister of Planning—claim their dismissals were unilateral and without proper reference checks. They refuted the Ministry’s assertions that they exhibited conduct unbecoming of public servants while in Gbarpolu, where they were reportedly uncovering illegal workers.
The employees challenge the legality of their dismissals, arguing that the Ministry failed to follow disciplinary procedures as outlined in the Civil Service standing orders. They questioned the absence of an investigation and the lack of a disciplinary committee’s report.
The Ministry of Labor has recently seen internal conflicts, protests, and division, with accusations of tribal favoritism and misconduct. Minister Kruah has denied these allegations, maintaining that the dismissals were justified due to the employees’ behavior.
The employees further emphasized the need for a transparent and impartial review of the facts surrounding their dismissals. They called for the CSA to not only address the legality of their terminations but also to examine the broader issues of fairness and adherence to proper labor practices within the Ministry. “We believe that this hearing is a crucial step in upholding the integrity of public service and ensuring that all employees are treated with fairness and respect,” they stated.
Meanwhile, various labor and civil society organizations have expressed keen interest in the outcome of this hearing. They argue that the case highlights systemic issues within the Ministry of Labor and could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future. The broader public and stakeholders are closely watching the CSA’s handling of the case, hoping it will reinforce accountability and adherence to the rule of law within Liberia’s public service.
As the CSA prepares to hear both sides, the outcome will determine whether the Ministry of Labor’s actions were in line with civil service regulations or constituted wrongful dismissals. The hearing aims to bring clarity and resolution to this contentious issue.
