An ongoing investigation is probing labor practices at Winners Incorporated, a gambling company that has operated in Liberia for more than a decade. Current and former employees allege widespread mistreatment, including low salaries, absence of benefits, and unsafe working conditions that could amount to violations of labor laws.
Several workers told investigators that despite working with the company for over ten years, they have seen little or no improvement in their pay or workplace standards. A cashier who has served for a decade described the experience as “unbearable,” adding that staff are “treated like disposable tools.” Employees also allege that they are denied access to their contract sheets, leaving them unaware of their rights, while the company fails to provide health insurance, sick leave, or other basic benefits.
“There’s no health coverage, no sick leave, no insurance,” one longtime worker disclosed. “We’re just expected to keep working, no matter what, and it’s getting worse.”
A more alarming case involves a senior employee at the company’s head office who, despite suffering a recent stroke, is reportedly being pressured by management to continue working. Relatives claim the employee, who has dedicated decades of service, receives inadequate pay and has no access to medical benefits. “It’s heartbreaking to see someone who has given their life to the company treated this way, especially when they need medical care,” a family member said.
So far, Winners Incorporated has not issued a public statement on the matter. Requests for comment on employee welfare and labor rights policies remain unanswered.
This is not the first time Winners Incorporated has come under fire for its treatment of workers. Over the years, informal complaints have circulated about low wages, lack of training, and neglect of health and safety concerns. Many workers say they are afraid to speak up for fear of retaliation.
“If you complain, they threaten to fire you,” one former employee revealed. “They tell us we should be grateful for the job, and if we don’t like it, we can leave.”
Labor law experts are beginning to weigh in. Attorney Julia Harris noted that denying workers access to contracts and failing to provide basic benefits could amount to breaches of labor regulations. “Employers are legally required to provide certain protections, including health insurance and clear access to work contracts,” Harris said. “Based on the reports, Winners Incorporated could be in violation of these requirements.”
Labor unions and advocacy groups are now pushing for a full audit of the company’s practices. The Workers’ Advocacy Group has urged affected employees to come forward, assuring them of protection from retaliation.
The inquiry is still in its early stages, with investigators collecting testimony from past and present employees. Human rights organizations and legal teams are also gathering evidence to determine the scope of the alleged violations.
Authorities have encouraged anyone with knowledge of Winners Incorporated’s labor practices to come forward. At this stage, it remains unclear what actions will be taken against the company, but the mounting complaints suggest a reckoning over worker rights may be looming.
This is a developing story, and updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
