Workers of Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC)/CMC have elected Gold and Diamond as the new mother union or bargaining agent to steer the affairs of the workers for the next two years.
The electoral body, Independent Election Commission, conducted the election on Friday, September 20, 2024 across the various operation sites of Bea Mountain Mining Corporation.
Officially announcing the results, Assistant Minister for Trade Union Affairs at the Ministry of Labor, Rufus Saydee, said Gold and Diamond obtained 421 votes, constituting 56%, while the Liberia Industrial Workers Union (LIWU) secured 329 votes, or 44% of the total vote cast.
The Labor Ministry’s representative thanked all participating parties, including all members of the workers union, for their resilience, commitment and peaceful conduct before, during and after the election. “We are very thankful for the way all of you conducted yourselves today; this demonstrates unity in diversity,” the Labor Ministry’s representative stated.
He also urged the leadership-elect to make reconciliation and unity among the members their priority, underscoring that the success of the new administration cannot be realized in the absence of togetherness and shared vision in the best interest of the union.
The Assistant Minister for Trade Union Affairs at the Ministry of Labor further pledged the full commitment and support of the ministry to the new leadership. “The Liberian government is committed to helping this leadership and the workers to achieve their goals,” he assured.
In brief remarks, the Secretary General of the Liberia Industrial Workers Union (LIWU), Festous Johnson, said the elections were conducted freely, fairly and transparently. “This election was credible and the organizers did well. We accept the results wholeheartedly and promise to work with the new leadership,” Johnson affirmed. He further vowed to provide his expertise and other contributions when called upon to collectively serve the common good of the institution.
Also speaking, the Chair of BMMC/CMC Workers Union, Emmanuel Weedor lauded the two unions and their members for a smooth electoral process, and called on the newly elected leadership to lead the workers union with integrity, honesty, transparency, accountability and always seek the interest of the institution above self-interest.
“The leadership comes with lots of responsibilities, and even temptations. As a leader, always give a listening ear to your people, and I have the strongest belief that this administration will deliver to the expectation of everyone,” he stated.
