By Domingo Dargbeh
In a landmark victory for labor rights, workers at Sigma Group Limited, have successfully secured compensation for outstanding wage arrears and workplace violations.
The disclosure was made by Labour and Governance Alliance (LILGA) led by its Executive Director George S. Tengbeh. On February 21, 2026, Tengbeh said, the atmosphere at the ORANGE GSM Data Center construction project in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, shifted dramatically as 44 workers received their long-overdue compensation.
While this marks a significant step forward, 21 additional workers remain unpaid, and LILGA has pledged to ensure that every affected employee receives their rightful compensation.
Background of the dispute
The struggle began when the workers faced serious labor law violations; including unpaid overtime and holiday wages; excessive working hours; the absence of written employment contracts; unsafe working and living conditions, and a lack of basic protective equipment and safe drinking water. These violations affected a total of 64 Liberian workers.
In response, LILGA sought intervention from several stakeholders, including the Minister of Labour. Despite significant efforts and follow-up communications, no Labour Commissioner intervened, and the Department of Labour Standards declined to take action.
Tengbeh futher that LILGA escalated the matter to management, and formally notified the Agricultural Agro-Processing and Industrial Workers Union of Liberia (AAIWUL).
He urged them for urgent intervention to protect workers’ rights under the Decent Work Act.
Following persistent negotiation and advocacy, Sigma Group Ltd. has agreed to compensate the affected workers and has committed to several crucial improvements: compensation for approximately 44 workers for outstanding wage arrears; install a safety and first aid room at the project sit; provide US$10 daily for safe drinking water; distribute safety shoes for workers and implement a new time-keeping system and record, effective immediately.
Tengbeh expressed appreciation for Sigma Group’s management and AAIWUL for their willingness to engage constructively and resolve the dispute.