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USW Calls On Firestone to Recognize New Union Leadership in Liberia
For Immediate Release August 3, 2007
PITTSBURGH – The United Steelworkers (USW) is strongly encouraging Firestone to recognize the newly elected union leadership at its rubber plantations in Liberia. On July 7, 2007, the workers there overwhelmingly voted for new trade union representatives of their own choosing in the first free, fair and democratic union elections at the plantation it its 80 year history.
USW International President Leo W. Gerard sharply criticized the company’s refusal meet with the leadership of Firestone Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia (FAWUL) in a letter sent on August 2 to Dan Adomitis, president of Firestone Natural Rubber. “The actions of Firestone in refusing to recognize the newly elected leadership of FAWUL and to ensure that the dues go to the representatives of the workers (FAWUL) is a clear violation of Liberian and international law,” Gerard wrote.
More than 3,000 workers voted last month for a union leadership not affiliated with the General Agricultural and Allied Workers Union of Liberia (GAAWUL) with new leadership. GAAWUL continues to try to use the Liberian legal system to thwart the voice of the Firestone rubber plantation workers. All such attempts have failed. The induction of the new union leadership went ahead as planned on July 21, 2007.
The new FAWUL leadership, led by President Austin Natee, has approached the management of Firestone in Liberia to request a meeting, and begin to establish a cooperative relationship based on mutual respect. Firestone is refusing to meet with the new leadership and continues to give the workers’ union dues to the illegitimate GAAWUL.
Liberian election monitors from civil society and the government, as well as registered international monitors, observed the elections. All election monitors reported that the election was free, fair and transparent. The government of Liberia has fully sanctioned the election results. In fact, the Solicitor General of Liberia was a keynote speaker at the induction ceremony on July 21.
In addition to ensuring that the dues go to FAAWUL as required by the current union contract and Liberian law, the USW also is urging Firestone to enter into collective bargaining negotiations in a respectful and timely manner.
Gerard wrote: “The historic July 7th union elections at the Liberian Firestone Rubber Plantation were watched and celebrated around the world. Firestone’s response to these elections will be equally watched.”
The USW represents more than 70,000 members employed in the rubber and tire industry, including those employed at Bridgestone-Firestone in the U.S. and Canada. Overall, the USW represents more than 850,000 workers in North America.
CONTACT: Wayne Ranick (412) 562-2444
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2007 RELEASES AND ADVISORIES
