Sime Darby denies strike report

The Management of  Sime Darby Plantation Liberia (SDPL) has clarified that there is no strike at its plantation contrary to report in the media.

“What is happening is a “go slow” action, which means that employees are coming to work but mainly with a purpose of discussing work-related issues with the management”, a press release issued by the company on Sunday said.

According to the release, every April the company in accordance with the Liberian tax regulation, deducts Vacation Leave Payment tax from pay-checks, which causes employees’ dissatisfaction, adding, “We are currently talking to the representatives of the workers’ union to explain the issue and resolve any misunderstanding.”

Recently, an online news outlet, Global News Network Liberia, reported strike at China Union and Sime Darby Plantation Liberia.

But SDPL Management described the report as characterized by inaccuracies, clarifying that the company is not in crisis. “We have survived the Ebola crisis without any significant changes to our operations. Thanks to our loyal and dedicated workforce we managed to maintain the estates in good condition and at the same time we successfully implemented unprecedented measures to protect our employees and their families from the Ebola virus.”  

The release added that contrary to the report by Global News Network Liberia, SDPL does not impose any restrictions on how many children an employee can send to its schools, adding, “SDPL runs a network of 7 schools and employs 115 teachers, providing education to around 4,000 students, free of charge at an annual cost to the company of more than USD 500,000.”‎ – Edited by Jonathan Browne