Monrovia – In a resolute move aimed at addressing longstanding grievances, the workers of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) have taken the decisive step of passing a vote of no confidence in Director General Emma Glassco.
The resolution, passed through the Workers Association (NaFAAWA), outlines a litany of allegations against Glassco’s leadership, ranging from dictatorial behavior to financial impropriety.
The resolution highlights several key points of contention:
- Dictatorial Behavior: Glassco is accused of being overbearing and dictatorial, failing to heed the advice and interventions of various stakeholders, including the Board Chairman of NaFAA and parliamentary committees.
- Violation of Rules and Regulations: Glassco is alleged to have consistently violated employment rules and regulations set forth by competent authorities and labor laws of Liberia. This includes removing employees’ names from payroll while on study leave and disregarding workplace harassment and disciplinary policies.
- Financial Mismanagement: Under Glassco’s leadership, the resolution claims there have been significant salary disparities, off-budget spending, and failure to remit NASSCORP deductions, affecting employees’ future benefits.
- Misuse of Resources: Glassco is accused of using NaFAA/state resources for political campaigns and involving herself in financial improprieties, including wrongful revenue generation through experimental fishing activities.
- Misappropriation of Funds: The resolution alleges that Glassco unilaterally canceled the construction of NaFAA’s administrative building and misappropriated funds for personal use, including purchasing a luxury car and renovating a house.
Furthermore, the resolution highlights Glassco’s lack of experience in fisheries management and her reliance on the expertise of professionals whom she allegedly mistreats.
The workers of NaFAA have called for the grievances to be addressed and have expressed their inability to work with Glassco any longer. They hope that their action will pave the way for the growth and improvement of NaFAA.
The resolution was signed by the workers of NaFAA on May 2nd, 2024, signaling a unified stance against Glassco’s leadership at the authority.