By Samuel Flomo, Jr.
Fresh labor concerns have surfaced at the mining site of MNG Gold Liberia in Kokoyah District, Bong County. At the mine workers employed under MZ Catering Service, have alleged harsh working conditions and extremely low pay of less than US$100.
Several employees, who requested anonymity for fear of dismissal, claimed that some members of the 18-person catering staff earn as little as US$100 per month.
They described the amount as “inadequate,” especially given the “exhausting 12-hour workdays.” According to some of the workers, their day begins at 6: a.m. and ends at 6: p.m., leaving little room for rest.
They further reported that the catering service operates effectively as a single-shift system, requiring staff to shoulder continuous responsibilities in preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner for employees at the mining camp.
MNG Gold Liberia contracted the MZ Catering Service to handle daily meal preparation at the site. The workers say the nature of the job, including feeding dozens of employees in a demanding mining environment, requires fair compensation and a structured shift system to prevent burnout. Some of the workers, who have become aggrieved, have urged the management to revisit their salary structure, and introduce additional shifts to reduce pressure on employees.
They argue that improved wages and better scheduling would not only boost morale among employees, but also enhance service delivery.
But the owner of MZ Catering Service, Madam Martha Zackpah, has firmly rejected the allegations. In response to the claims, Madam Zackpah denied workers under her supervision earning below US$150 per month.
She maintained that the lowest-paid employee receives close to US$200 monthly.
On the issue of working hours, Madam Zackpah insisted that the company runs two shifts, dismissing claims of a single-shift arrangement.
She described the allegation as inaccurate, and said, it would be impractical for a catering service supporting a mining company to operate otherwise.