In a rather strong press statement, workers at the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) have voiced their concerns regarding what they describe as the “autocratic rule” of Director General Eugene L. Fahngon.
They have accused Mr. Fahngon of fostering a hostile work environment marked by intimidation, harassment, and labor abuse since taking position at the state-owned broadcaster.
At a news conference held Thursday at the LBS compound, Liberia Broadcasting Workers Union President Joseph Sayon outlined a series of grievances. These include poor administrative decisions, unilateral actions, and alleged violations of labor rights. He expressed disappointment with the Director General’s leadership style, which he claims has undermined productivity and lowered worker morale at the national broadcaster.
‘Bad leadership style’
Workers at LBS have criticized Mr. Fahngon’s actions and policies, arguing that they have deteriorated conditions within less than a year. Among these actions are the suspension of employee benefits, the creation of a hostile work environment, alleged illegal dismissals, incrimination of staff, interference in union affairs, selective policy enforcement, threats of dismissal, cancellation of bonuses, failure to provide promised insurance, and suppression of free speech. These actions have left many employees facing financial and health crises.
The workers expressed their initial optimism when Mr. Fahngon took leadership, noting his promises to improve conditions at LBS. However, they claim that his leadership has led to a regression, undermining the progress made by previous administrations. They pointed to his decision to cancel LBS’s annual Christmas party for children as a symbol of his lack of innovation to continue the instution’s morale. Additionally, the union highlighted his alleged focus on personal allowances while neglecting the basic needs of staff, many of whom are struggling with health issues without support.
Ultimatum
In their statement, the workers issued a six-point demand for immediate action, warning that if these concerns are not addressed within 72 hours, they will initiate a vote of no confidence in Mr. Fahngon.
The demands include the restoration of all employee benefits, an end to the intimidation and harassment of workers, rescinding threats and targeting of staff who disagree with him on policy issues, non-interference in matters relating to the workers’ canteen, the immediate reinstatement of arbitrarily dismissed employee Peter Clinton, and assurances that workers will be allowed to perform their duties without fear of intimidation.
“Enough is enough,” they stated, calling on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to intervene, asserting that Mr. Fahngon’s leadership is detrimental to the mission of LBS as a national broadcaster.
The press conference marks a significant moment for LBS, with workers showing their determination to resist what they describe as a “one-man-show” administration. All eyes are now on the Director General and the presidency to see how these grievances will be addressed in the coming days.
