Firestone Liberia Plantation Deal Brings Significant Gains, says USW

The United Steelworkers (USW) union has voiced its approval for a labour agreement signed between Firestone and rubber workers in Liberia. Under the terms of this agreement, says the USW, workers at one of the world’s largest rubber plantations will receive wage increases, an improvement in work conditions and upgraded housing and educational facilities.

The Firestone Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia, also known as FAWFUL, signed the deal with Firestone on August 6. The new collective bargaining agreement covers more than 4,000 union members and the allows for, amongst other gains, a wage increase of 24 per cent for rubber tappers, with pay backdated to the expiration of a previous agreement in January of 2007.

“The agreement at Firestone marks a new day for workers throughout Liberia,” said USW international president Leo W. Gerard. “It is also a crucial victory in the global fight for workers’ rights.”