Labor Congress of Liberia
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The Labor Congress of Liberia (abbreviated LCL) was a trade union centre in Liberia. It was one of the precursors of the Liberian Federation of Trade Unions (LFTU).
LCL was founded as the first trade union centre in the country in 1951, but the organization soon became defunct.[1] LCL was re-founded in February 1954,[2][3][4] with Leroy Francis, a West Indian, playing a leading role.[5] As of mid-1955 LCL had five affiliates: the General Workers' Union, the Dock Workers' Union, the Mine Workers' Union, the Railroad Workers' Union, and the Rubber Workers' Union. LCL claimed to have 50,000 members, although more conservative estimates put the number of due-paying members at around 1,000. Outside of Monrovia LCL established branches at Greenville, Sinoe County and Bomi Hills.[2]
1955 strikes
In 1955 the LCL-affiliated GWU organized a strike of road construction workers, demanding increase in wages. Negotiations lasted for 8 weeks. The Liberian government took part in facilitating negotiations with the road construction company.[2] Another 1955 strike, a strike at the Bomi Hills Mining Company, was put down by military police. The union leaders were jailed, and LCL went defunct.[3][5]
1958 re-foundation
LCL was once again re-founded in 1958 by T. Dupigny-Leigh (Social Secretary in the Liberian government).[6][1][3] Like the previous Labor Union of Liberia, LCL under Dupigny-Leigh was backed up by the Liberian government.[6][7] LCL was led by William V.S. Tubman, Jr., the son of the Liberian president William Tubman. Union fees of LCL went directly to the governing True Whig Party.[8] LCL was affiliated to ICFTU.[4]