The Association of Liberia Human Resource Professionals (ALHRP), the umbrella body for HR professionals and the voice that bridges employers and employees, joins the global community in honoring the courage, commitment, and sacrifices of workers across Liberia.
ALHRP’s message contained in an article sent to this paper, said Labour Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is a legacy. It symbolizes unity, justice, and resilience. It was born from the struggles of workers in the late nineteenth century who demanded fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe conditions at a time when exploitation was the norm.
The Legacy and Ongoing Struggle of Labour Day:
Labour Day has its historical roots in the labour movement that emerged as a response to the harsh conditions faced by workers in factories, mines, and industrial sites. The movement achieved landmark reforms that today benefit millions of workers around the world. But the struggle is far from over. Across the globe, including here in Liberia, many workers still face discrimination, unsafe conditions, poor pay, and job insecurity. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed these weaknesses even further, especially for essential workers who labored in hazardous environments without adequate protection. This day reminds us to renew our commitment to protecting workers’ rights. We must promote fair wages, secure and safe workplaces, and support the right to organize. Workers must be respected, empowered, and heard.
Liberia’s Constitutional Commitment to Equal Employment: ALHRP said Liberia’s Constitution enshrines the principle of equal opportunity in employment. Article 18 explicitly states: “All Liberian citizens shall have equal opportunity for work and employment regardless of sex, creed, religion, ethnic background, place of origin or political affiliation, and all shall be entitled to equal pay for equal work.” This constitutional mandate underscores the nation’s commitment to fairness and equality in the workplace.
Addressing Gender Pay Disparities:
The HR group said despite legal provisions, gender-based wage disparities persist globally. Referencing the World Bank’s 2024 report, ALHRP said women earn approximately 77 cents for every dollar earned by men, showing ‘Massive Wider-than-Expected Global Gender Gap’. This persistent wage gap highlights the need for robust policies that enforce equal pay for equal work. Liberia, like many nations, must commit to closing this gap by strengthening its legal frameworks and promoting gender equity in all employment sectors.
Youth Unemployment in Liberia:
Speaking on the issue of youth unemployment, ALHRP stated that according to 2024 World Bank data (via Trading Economics), the official unemployment rate for Liberians aged 15 to 24 is estimated at 2.13 percent. However, the group stated that this figure only tells part of the story; it fails to reflect the high levels of underemployment, where many young people work part-time, informally, or in low-paying and unstable jobs that do not match their skills or aspirations.
“In reality, the majority of Liberia’s youth are engaged in the informal economy, which often lacks job security, decent wages, and social protection. The lack of access to quality vocational training, limited job creation in the formal sector, and systemic barriers to entrepreneurship have further compounded this crisis. As a result, many young Liberians—despite being educated and willing to work—find themselves stuck in a cycle of poverty, frustration, and limited opportunity. Addressing youth unemployment in Liberia requires a multi-faceted approach: expanding investment in skills development, strengthening public-private partnerships to generate decent jobs, and aligning education with market needs. If the nation is to reap the benefits of its youthful population, urgent and targeted action is not optional, it is imperative,” the article said.
One Workforce, One Standard, One Liberia
ALHRP noted that Liberia stands at a critical crossroad with its labour system being divided; the private sector operates under the Decent Work Act, while public service is governed by the Civil Service Standing Orders; this duality has created gaps, confusion, and inequality in employment terms such as severance benefits, grievance procedures, and retirement entitlements.
The Association of Liberia Human Resource Professionals called for urgent harmonization of these frameworks, stating that Liberia needs a single national standard that ensures fairness and dignity for all workers, regardless of where they are employed.
Decent Work, Dignity, and Resilience for All Workers:
“Can we truly achieve decent work, dignity, and resilience when we have two sets of labour laws offering different standards? Can we call ourselves one nation when some workers are protected while others remain exposed? This fragmentation weakens national unity and undermines professional excellence. Dignity cannot exist in an environment where workers fear dismissal, harassment, or neglect. Resilience cannot flourish when salaries are delayed and workplaces become toxic. Decent work requires more than a signed contract. It demands fairness, structure, safety, and vision,” ALHRP Labour Day Message noted.
Including Persons with Disabilities in the Workforce:
The group emphasized that true dignity in work cannot be achieved without the full inclusion of persons with disabilities, adding, “As we champion resilience and decent work for all, we must ensure that workplaces are accessible, inclusive, and non-discriminatory. Disability is not inability. Across Liberia, there are thousands of talented individuals with disabilities who have been excluded from meaningful employment—not because they lack potential, but because the system fails to accommodate them. Let us commit to changing that. Let us build a future where every person, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and with pride. Workplaces must be reimagined to reflect the diversity of human capacity. That is the true essence of resilience, dignity, and decent work for all.”
To the Workers and HR Professionals:
The Article: “To the workers of Liberia: You are the heartbeat of this country. Without your hands, we cannot build. Without your voice, justice is incomplete. You are not invisible. You matter. To the human resource professionals across Liberia: This is our moment. We are not just policy administrators. We are the conscience of institutions. Let us lead with integrity, fairness, and courage. Every document we process, every hire we make, every policy we recommend shapes the future of someone’s life. Let us strive for a Liberia where no worker is left behind. A Liberia where dignity is not a privilege but a principle. A country where work is not just about survival, but a source of pride and purpose.”
Patronage Undermines Progress:
Meanwhile, ALHRP was quick to note that one of the greatest threats to workplace dignity in Liberia is the culture of patronage. Too often, the association said, promotions and appointments are determined by connections rather than competence. This is especially common in public service but can be found in private organizations as well, stressing that this practice demoralizes professionals, rewards mediocrity, and blocks progress. “We must break this cycle. We must promote systems where merit, professionalism, and ethics guide employment decisions,” the HR group stressed.
Why May 1 Should Be a National Holiday
ALHRP has also called for May 1 to be observed as a national holiday as in the case of over 160 countries around the world.
The Association said making May 1 a national holiday would be more than a gesture. It would be a bold statement that Liberia values its workers. It would allow time for rest, reflection, and celebration, open space for meaningful dialogue between employers and employees, show national appreciation and strengthen collective resolve.
Our Collective Call to Action
calling for collection during the This Labour Day celebration, the Association of Liberia Human Resource Professionals urged all actors in the labour ecosystem:
– To Government: Harmonize the Decent Work Act and Civil Service Standing Orders. Declare May 1 a national holiday.
– To Employers: Comply with labour laws. Treat your workers with fairness and dignity.
– To Workers: Stay professional. Be ethical. Demand your rights responsibly.
– To HR Professionals: Be courageous. Be ethical. Be the change you want to see.
– To All Liberians: Let us reject discrimination and build a society where every worker is respected.
“At ALHRP, we remain committed to building a Liberia where labour is not just accepted, but celebrated. A nation where employment is not simply a survival mechanism, but a source of dignity and purpose. A future where work empowers and uplifts all Liberians. Happy International Labour Day 2025!,” The message concluded.
