The Ministry of Labor has, with immediate effect, suspended the work permit of Raed EL Khoury, Warehouse Manager, Right Choice Supermarket, Congo Town, who is accused of beating a Liberian security guard assigned at the supermarket.
The Minister of Labor, Cllr. Charles H. Gibson, announcing his decision Tuesday, November 15, 2022 during a meeting with the complainant, the accused, representatives of the supermarket, the Budy Security Guard Service which the complainant, William Socree, works for, the National Human Rights Commission, said his ministry was contemplating revoking Khoury’s work permit, which falls with the description of the Minister of Labor, but due to other considerations and pending finality of the criminal aspect of the case the ministry has decided to suspend his work permit.
According to Cllr. Gibson, the decision taken restricts Khoury from appearing in any place of work until the issue is resolved and the Ministry of Labor makes a final determination.
He noted that the ministry is restrained from revoking his work permit at this time to give justice a chance as well as provide him an opportunity to vindicate himself, if possible, in court.
“We have been receiving information from social and other sources that an employee assigned with Right Choice Supermarket was physically assaulted on the job. We ordered an investigation and realized that the issue is bounded to both criminal and Labor matters. We are not charged with the jurisdiction to get involved with the criminality aspect of it. What falls within our jurisdiction borders on the treatment of workers in the workplace. This ministry has the authority to issue remedial orders,” Minister Gibson added.
According to the minister, the complainant is an indigent and vulnerable young man whose monthly salary is US$90, far below the minimum wage of Liberia. He complained of pain in the body, being molested and physically assaulted.
Speaking further, Minister Gibson said, interestingly, the accused said that he was born in Liberia and has worked in the country almost all of his life, and it is unfortunate that such a situation would occur to someone who has spent all his life in Liberia and living among Liberians.
Cllr. Gibson indicated that the Ministry of Labor takes serious exception to employers taking advantage of workers who are vulnerable and, for some reason, need help and assistance.
“It is important to note that a worker being poor doesn’t make him weak. He has the right, too. All men must be treated equally in the place of work. This ministry is charged with the responsibility to protect the rights of workers as well as those who employ workers.”
He used the occasion to also call for the assistance of the Liberia National Police (LNP) to take siege of the matter and investigate, which will be monitored by the Ministry of Labour and National Human Rights Commission, noting that Liberia is a country of law and all rights, including those of the accused, must be protected as the court handles the matter.
The Labor Minister re-emphasized that while these processes are on-going Khoury will not be allowed to work in Liberia.
The accused was turned over to the officers of the LNP, who were called in to have him arrested to be remanded in detention for further investigation.
Meanwhile, the Budy Security Guard Service, which is the employer of the complainant, William Socree, has been summoned to appear before the Assistant Minister for Labor Standards to answer questions about why the complainant is being paid far below the minimum wage of Liberia.