LIBERIA: As SC Begins Hearing In Firestone’s Appeal, Rep Tarponweh Says He Is Optimistic Of Retirees’ Rights
By: Christopher Wiah, GNN Correspondent| Margibi County|
Margibi County Legislative Caucus Chairperson Representative Tibelrosa Summoh Tarponweh speaking with cross section of Firestone Retirees
The Supreme Court of Liberia has reportedly begin hearing of an appeal filed in by the Management of Firestone Liberia followed ruling of the Margibi 13th Judiciary Circuit Court in June, ordering Firestone Liberia Management to restore retroactively and pay the retirement benefits of its retirees.
During the Supreme Court’s hearing Thursday, November 18, 2021, lawyer representing Firestone Management prayed the court to discontinue the hearing and allow the appearance of the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP), co-defendant for clarity.
Cllr. J. Johnny Momo who represented the Firestone retirees, on the other hand, argued that the Supreme Court should proceed with the hearing. According to him, the judgement from the 13th Judiciary Circuit Court was wholly made against the Defendant, Firestone Liberia Management.
Following intense deliberations between the two lawyers, His Honor Francis S. Korkpor suspended the hearing for two weeks.
“NASSCORP is a necessary party to this case because they were joined in as Co-defendant at the lower court. This court has always insisted that parties appear so that justice is properly served. The clerk of this court is hereby instructed to issue another notice of assignment. This matter is suspended”, His Honor, Justice Korkpor ruled.
Margibi County Legislative Caucus Chairperson Representative Tibelrosa Summoh Tarponweh, who has been a lead advocate for Firestone workers and staunch critic against the company’s alleged bad labor practices, was seen witnessing the court proceedings.
Following the suspension of the hearing, Representative Tarponweh said he is optimistic that the Supreme Court will rule in favor of the Firestone retirees.
The Margibi District One Lawmaker cautioned the retirees to remain law abiding and assured them that his advocacy will continue so that justice is properly served.
“I am pleased that I was in attendance but also disappointed because we went there to see our people get justice. We thought it would have been a full hearing into the case. However, I want our people to understand that justice is in sight. From all of our research, we do not think NASSCORP has much to say in this case.
NASSCORP only comes in when employees turn sixty (60) years old. This one, we are talking about a private contract entered into by Firestone Liberia and their employees. This obligates Firestone to pay retirement benefits to their employees when they work for 25 years”, Representative Tarponweh narrated.
In 2019, the Firestone retirees filed in a declaratory judgment opposing the company’s decision to stop paying them and redirect their pension payments to the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP).
On June 22, 2021, the 13th Judiciary Circuit Court in Kakata ruled that Firestone, the respondent restore retroactively and pay the pension benefits of its retirees, the petitioners.
But on the flip side of the coin following the court’s action, Firestone Liberia expressed shock and disappointment over the court’s ruling and vowed to take an appeal to the Supreme Court in Monrovia.
