The Workers Union of Liberia’s most prestigious technical vocational training institution, the Booker Washington Institute (BWI), on Monday, February 17, 2025, staged a go-slow action in protest of unresolved salary concerns that brought normal campus activities to a halt.
A representative of the Workers Union David L. Moore said the fight for salary increment started long ago, and now they demand clarity and fairness in salary payments, citing delays and inconsistencies that have affected their livelihoods.
Moore said the Union wrote BWI Board of Governors, other stakeholders including Margibi County Legislative Caucus, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth and Sports, amongst others. But Board Chair Isaac later told his colleagues on the Board that the matter was settled when absolutely no action was taken to address their plights.
Moore said Stevens and the Union’s leaders had never sat anywhere to discuss or to find solutions on the situation affecting the BWI workers. He said the workers of BWI are getting frustrated over the lack of transparency and accountability from the administration.
“We have been patient, but our concerns have not been addressed. We are simply asking for what is rightfully ours – timely and consistent salary payments,” he said, citing the need for the relevant authorities to intervene to ensure a fair resolution.
Meanwhile, the BWI Workers Union has vowed to maintain their strike action until their demands are met, raising concerns over the long-term impact on the institution’s academic calendar. Moore said no infrastructure will be damaged by the workers but encouraged students to stay away from their go-slow action.
