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27 April 2007: Liberia Firestone strike
About this Episode
On this day, 27 April 2007, police attacked striking Firestone rubber workers in Harbel, Liberia, injuring dozens and killing one.
Workers on the million-acre plantation had organised an Aggrieved Workers Committee the previous year to fight for better pay and conditions, and remove corrupt union officials whom they believed were mismanaging funds of the Firestone Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia (FAWUL). Eventually, the government ordered union elections to take place. Firestone management attempted to delay the election, and so in late April workers went on strike in protest.
Despite the repression, the workers kept up their struggle and union elections were eventually held in July, where the rank-and-file workers won all of the seats.
The workers went on strike again in December for union recognition.
More information, sources and map: https://stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/7923/firestone-strikers-attacked
Our work is only possible because of support from you, our listeners on patreon. If you appreciate our work, please join us and access exclusive content and benefits at patreon.com/workingclasshistory.
Workers on the million-acre plantation had organised an Aggrieved Workers Committee the previous year to fight for better pay and conditions, and remove corrupt union officials whom they believed were mismanaging funds of the Firestone Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia (FAWUL). Eventually, the government ordered union elections to take place. Firestone management attempted to delay the election, and so in late April workers went on strike in protest.
Despite the repression, the workers kept up their struggle and union elections were eventually held in July, where the rank-and-file workers won all of the seats.
The workers went on strike again in December for union recognition.
More information, sources and map: https://stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/7923/firestone-strikers-attacked
Our work is only possible because of support from you, our listeners on patreon. If you appreciate our work, please join us and access exclusive content and benefits at patreon.com/workingclasshistory.
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Hosts & Guests
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