GVL to restructure workforce in Butaw

The Indonesian palm company, Golden Veroleum Liberia or GVL, has announced plan here to restructure its workforce in Butaw, Sinoe County, southeast Liberia.

A press release issued by the company, says the restructuring will impact approximately 330 employees and size the GVL Butaw farm to a level appropriate to the scale of land under development.  It notes that in oil palm operations, the size and location of a workforce and the training opportunities provided are directly related to the location and area of land that a company is permitted to develop by host communities.

The Ministry of Labour, other Government Ministries and the Workers’ Union, GOVAWUL, have been duly informed, according to the release. The pronouncement by the company followed violence in Butaw in June this year, which left GVL’s assets vandalized, and several persons reportedly sustaining injuries. 

Those being released by the company will receive 1.5 or one and a half month’s salary for each year worked, one month salary in lieu of notice and one month salary for current month in addition to 50 Kg bags of rice.

GVL says it remains committed long-term to its Butaw operation and to expanding development and production in Liberia and will work with the local community to explore new opportunities for development and employment.

The company currently invests over $1 million per year in Butaw alone through salaries and other investments directly into the community. -Press release