HARBEL, Margibi – Firestone Liberia will soon be resuming the redistribution of American parboiled rice to employees, after having briefly switched to a variety grown in India.

According to workers union President Harris Kerkula, the distribution of the rice will begin in June.

For over 100 years, Firestone workers had been receiving the American product at a reduced price, but a change was instituted in 2013 when daily wagers of the plantation were demanding a 20 percent increment in their salaries.

According to Kerkula, in response to the workers’ plea, management decided to increase their salaries by two percent if they would agree for the rice they were being provided to be substituted for the cheaper Indian-grown version.

Firestone’s management said the price of the U.S. parboiled rice had become expensive but the decision was unpopular with most workers at the time.

Many went on the local radio stations, critiquing the Indian rice for its lower quality. The rice was said to be starchy and quick to spoil after being cooked.

Firestone imports the rice in bulk and sells it at a reduced price to workers, compared to the prevailing market rates for parboiled rice from the U.S.

Employees currently pay US$30 per month, through salary deductions, for two bags of the Indian rice. When the company resumes distributing the American rice in June, workers will pay US$38. Even with the increase, workers are still receiving a substantial discount on the rice.

Kerkula said the workers had prioritized their demand for the salary increase in 2013, as it was difficult to bargain for two issues at the same time.

He considers the reinstatement of the distribution of the U.S. parboiled rice, along with the abolishment of tappers shouldering the long-term responsibility of cleaning rubber cups daily, as some of the most worthy accomplishments by his leadership.

Featured photo by Jefferson Daryoue