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| Firestone Liberia-FAWUL Collective Bargaining Agreement Applauded |
| Published on July 14, 2010 | Email To Friend Print Version
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The Firestone Liberia community is celebrating the recent signing of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement between Firestone Liberia and the Firestone Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia (FAWUL), according to a release.
The agreement, signed on June 28, signals the parties' continuing partnership as they work together to revitalize the natural rubber industry and help rebuild the company's operations.
“Our goal for the bargaining process was to once again work together to reach an agreement that would strengthen the business, the local community and Liberia as a whole. This agreement meets that goal,” said Charles Stuart, Firestone Liberia President and Managing Director. “The most important aspect of the agreement is that it benefits all parties. It serves the interests of the company, our employees and their families.”
In addition to wage increases of more than 3 percent over the three-year term, another important aspect of the new agreement is the shared desire by the company and FAWUL to change the current mode of latex transportation from the field to the weighing station.
As detailed in the agreement, the process will begin with the experimentation of alternative modes of latex transportation in two divisions of the 45-division farm.
The experiment will consider several factors, including practicality, financial feasibility, security, terrain limitations and overall impact on tapping operations.
This process will begin before the end of 2010. After that, and based on the results of the 2010 trials, Firestone Liberia will either begin a phased implementation of a new system or explore other modes of transportation, the statement said.
The company and the union have also acknowledged in the agreement that a single transportation method may not be practical for use throughout the farm, due to terrain limitations and other factors, but will use the best option available.
The new agreement was reached after extended negotiations marked by open dialogue, mutual respect and a shared commitment to a common cause.
The agreement is in effect from 2010 through 2012, and replaces the previous agreement reached in August 2008.
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