By Elijah Easter Kaykay
A group of former employees of Wilson Bayly Holmes Ovcon (WBHO) in Grand Bassa staged a dramatic protest that culminated in a hostage situation on May 15, 2025.
Frustrated over unpaid severance and benefits, the workers held the company’s Human Resource Officer hostage inside a vehicle at the Grand Bassa Administrative Building, refusing to release him for hours.
The protest reflected the deep anger and desperation of the aggrieved workers, who have been waiting for overdue payments for some time.
Their bold actions drew a large crowd and attracted media attention, shining a spotlight on the growing unrest among employees feeling neglected by their employer.
Following intense negotiations involving company representatives, local authorities, and the protesting workers, the Human Resource officer was eventually released.
Nonetheless, the core issues of unpaid benefits and workers’ rights remain unresolved, raising concerns about the treatment of employees within Liberia’s corporate landscape.
This incident has sparked widespread debate about corporate accountability and workers’ rights, emphasizing the urgent need for improved labor practices and fair treatment across the country.
