More benefits for ArcelorMittal workers in Liberia as union signs collective agreement

The three-year agreement delivers substantial gains for workers, reflecting both the union's growing bargaining power and the critical role of international solidarity in supporting Liberia's labour movement. The deal comes at a time when Liberia's economy, heavily reliant on extractive industries, faces pressure to balance corporate profitability with equitable wealth distribution.

The new CBA includes a 14.5 per cent salary increase for ArcelorMittal Liberia's workforce, a notable achievement given the inflationary pressures that have eroded real wages in recent years. Liberia's consumer price index rose by about 10 per cent in 2024, according to estimates from the Liberia Institute of Statistics, making the salary increment a critical buffer for workers' buying power. Additionally, the agreement secures a 75 per cent increase in housing allowances, addressing one of the most pressing concerns for workers in the country's mining regions, where access to affordable housing remains scarce. The company has also committed to supporting homeownership for workers.

Further, the CBA introduces 15 days of annual leave without salary deductions, a significant improvement in work-life balance for employees. The inclusion of five days of paternity leave signals a progressive shift in Liberia's labour landscape, acknowledging the importance of family responsibilities in a male-dominated industry. Health insurance coverage has also been expanded to include workers' dependents. This is important in Liberia, where access to healthcare is limited, according to World Health Organization. By extending coverage, the agreement mitigates financial risks for workers' families, a critical factor in a nation where out-of-pocket healthcare costs are high.

The agreement's success is underpinned by international solidarity. UWUL credited technical support from the United Steelworkers (USW) of the USA, the Australian Mines and Energy Workers Union (MEU), and IndustriALL for strengthening its negotiating capacity.

ArcelorMittal, a global steel corporation with operations in over 60 countries, employs thousands in Liberia's iron ore sector, a cornerstone of the country's economy, which accounted for 65 per cent of export revenues in 2024 according to the Central Bank of Liberia.

For Liberia, the agreement sets a precedent for other industries, where collective bargaining remains underdeveloped. The mining sector, employing roughly 15,000 workers directly and supporting thousands more indirectly, is a key battleground for workers' rights.

"Bravo to the ArcelorMittal workers for supporting the negotiating team,"

says Dave Seneh, UWUL secretary general.

"The collective bargaining agreement is a key tool for improving working conditions at ArcelorMittal Liberia and we applaud UWUL for securing a deal that improves workers livelihoods,"

says Paule-France Ndessomin, IndustriALL regional secretary for Sub Saharan Africa.