Hundreds of retired workers from the Firestone Rubber Plantation in Margibi County are calling on President Joseph Boakai to intervene, accusing his administration of failing to honor a campaign pledge made during the 2023 elections to resolve their long-standing retirement benefit crisis.
The retirees, many of whom dedicated more than three decades of service to the plantation, say they are now living in severe hardship. According to the group, monthly pensions have been drastically reduced or stopped altogether, while health insurance coverage has lapsed and educational support for their children has been withdrawn. They argue that these cuts have left elderly former workers vulnerable, particularly those suffering from chronic illnesses linked to years of physically demanding plantation labor.
Despite a court ruling that reportedly affirmed their claims, the retirees insist that little has changed on the ground. They say the judgment has not translated into concrete relief, fueling frustration and deepening mistrust among affected families.
During a weekend gathering in Harbel, the retirees warned that they are prepared to escalate their protest to Monrovia if urgent action is not taken. Organizers described the situation as a matter of survival, stressing that many retirees can no longer afford basic medical care or daily necessities.
Firestone management, for its part, has not announced any immediate remedy. Company representatives reportedly cited the absence of the official responsible for handling the matter, noting that a response may not be forthcoming until late March.
As pressure mounts, the retirees say they are looking to the President to personally intervene and ensure that commitments made on the campaign trail are finally translated into justice and dignity for those who spent their working lives sustaining one of Liberia’s most significant plantations.
Source: OK FM
