Employment
The Decent Work Act 2015 replaced the Labour Practices Law and codified modern standards
The Decent Work Act 2015 is Liberia's principal employment statute. It sets a 48-hour week, requires written particulars, prohibits discrimination and harassment, provides maternity leave, regulates termination with notice and severance, and created the National Tripartite Council and a labour court structure.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — Ministry of Labour hearing officers; National Labour Court; appeal to the Supreme Court of Liberia.
Governing law
- Decent Work Act, 2015 — Replaced the Labour Practices Law; valid-reason dismissal; National Tripartite Council.
- National Social Security and Welfare Corporation Act, 1975 as amended — Pension and employment injury schemes.
In practice
The Decent Work Act 2015 replaced the 1950s Labour Practices Law and the Labour Law of Liberia, consolidating standards developed with ILO assistance. It covers contracts of employment with a duty to give written particulars, hours and overtime, paid annual leave and sick leave, maternity leave with job protection, prohibition of forced labour and of the worst forms of child labour, and equal pay. Termination requires notice or payment in lieu and, for dismissal, a valid reason; unfair dismissal remedies include reinstatement or compensation calculated by reference to service. Redundancy requires notice to the Ministry of Labour. The Act created the National Tripartite Council for labour policy and provides for labour inspection, and disputes proceed through the Ministry of Labour hearing officers to the National Labour Court, with appeal to the Supreme Court. The National Social Security and Welfare Corporation administers pension and injury schemes.