Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Khadijah Ameen, says the Government will not dishonour its 10% promise to members of the Public Services Association (PSA).
She noted that while the commitment stands firm, the allocation of funds is contingent upon the necessary mechanisms being put in place.
Speaking during the Standing Finance Committee of Parliament, she explained the process, emphasising that allocations cannot be made without formal documentation.
“When unions negotiate with the CPO, there is a process and the CPO has to officially inform the Minister of Finance that this is the agreed sum and as of what date that has to be paid. The Ministry of Local Government is not in a position to allocate for what we don’t have documentation for as yet. And I think that in our answers thus far to the Committee we have made it very clear: the Government intends to honour all our agreements with all workers in this country and when that amount is decided, the approved procedures for public financing provides for that.”
Minister Ameen said this could be revisited if negotiations are completed by the mid-year budget review.
She also noted that the Ministry remains committed to supporting its workforce and ensuring fair compensation.
“There are specialised positions within the Ministry that include offices such as health and public health inspectors, municipal police officers, deputy CEOs, and other specialised positions that have been vacant and the persons performing the duties over the time have been daily-paid employees and because of this, the shortfalls that we face in terms of employees is really critical for those to be filled. In the meanwhile, though, we will put some short-term mechanisms in place.”