NTA, workers union sign pact

The management of the National Transit Authority or NTA after a long time consultative meeting with stakeholders and workers union Thursday signed a collective bargaining agreement with workers of the agency.

NTA deputy managing director, Prince S. Jaiblai, Sr. on behalf of management expressed thanks to the stakeholders for their participation in what he termed “long negotiation” to finalize the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the workers and added that the initiative started far back with former managing director, Karmoh D. Ville, the current managing director, Tarnu N. Jeke and past heads of the entity.

Deputy director Jaiblai added that all the management of the National Transit Authority is trying to do as was being done in ministries and agencies is to create a good working environment for both employees and management. 

“in as much you work at the National Transit Authority, we also recognize you that yes indeed, you have a right and the management has a right too and the Collective Bargaining Agreement is meant for us to work together in order to provide increased  productivities for those we are rendering service to. Let me tell you today, NTA cannot exist without employees; we need the employees to serve the public. Our intent as management is just simple: provide good services to the people,” Jaiblai said.     

Also speaking at the signing ceremony yesterday, the managing director of the NTA Tarnue N. Jeke, extended thanks and appreciation to the United Workers Union of Liberia or UWUL; the National Transit Authority workers, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Labor for their efforts during the consultative meetings in crafting the agreement.

Director Jeke pointed out that the agreement will last for three years and takes effect retroactively from June, 2014 to June, 2015 and June 2017.

In response, the president for the NTA workers union, D. Fornatee Kofa, commended management for making sure the CBA comes into existence and cautioned his colleagues to abide by the dictates of the agreement in order to create a good working relationship.          

By Ben P. Wesee