IPNEWS: Workers of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) have raised serious concerns over what they described as the “autocratic and dysfunctional” leadership of Director General Eugene L. Fahngon.
In a press conference held in Monrovia, they cataloged a series of alleged abuses and poor administrative practices under his tenure, calling on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the Liberian public to intervene urgently.
Speaking on behalf of the workers, the union leadership accused Fahngon of fostering a hostile work environment characterized by intimidation, harassment, and verbal abuse. They cited numerous incidents of labor rights violations, including the arbitrary suspension of employee benefits, illegal dismissals, and threats of dismissal targeting staff who disagree with his policies.
A Year of Turmoil at LBS
Fahngon has not responded to the LBS Workers Union allegations.
The workers highlighted several grievances against Fahngon’s administration including the suspension of benefits. They accused of unilaterally suspending benefits outlined in the LBS Human Resource Manual, leaving employees without essential support.
Hostile Work Environment
Employees alleged that Fahngon’s lack of empathy and authoritarian behavior have created a toxic workplace.
Unlawful Dismissal
The citied the firing of Peter Clinton from the Operations Department as arbitrary and illegal.
Union Interference
Fahngon is accused of interfering in the affairs of the LBS Workers Union, including the management of the workers’ canteen.
Misuse of Authority
According to them, the Director General allegedly applies rules selectively and suppresses free speech using outdated decrees.
Broken Promises: Workers claim that Fahngon failed to deliver on promises, such as providing health insurance, and canceled year-end bonuses without explanation.
The workers also criticized Fahngon for canceling the annual Christmas party for employees’ children, citing “flimsy excuses” related to construction on the LBS compound.
Demands for Immediate Action
In a strongly worded statement, the workers issued a 72-hour ultimatum for Fahngon to address their grievances or face a vote of no confidence. Their demands include the restoration of all suspended benefits as per the HR Manual, an immediate end to intimidation and harassment of employees, reinstatement of Peter Clinton, non-interference in the affairs of the Workers Union, including the canteen’s management, ceasing threats and targeting of employees based on disagreements with management policies and a commitment to fostering a free and harmonious work environment.
A Broken Promise of Change
The Workers trough their leaders Kolubah Zayzay, and Joseph Sayon, secretary and president, respectively, expressed disappointment over Fahngon’s failure to deliver on his promises when he assumed office. They recounted his initial remarks that “LBS will never be the same,” which they now interpret as a sign of regression rather than progress.
“Instead of building on the gains of his predecessors, Fahngon has dismantled them, creating a culture of fear and dysfunction.”
Psychological Toll on Workers
The press statement revealed that Fahngon’s leadership has caused significant psychological distress among employees. Some staff have reportedly fallen ill due to work-related stress, with no support from management. Instead, workers have had to rely on donations from their colleagues for medical assistance.
The workers called on President Boakai to intervene, stressing that Fahngon’s leadership style is detrimental to LBS’s growth and performance as a national broadcaster. They urged the public to join them in demanding accountability.
