Gov't backs down on plan to pay public workers via E-Zwich

Europa 21:21 - 06 May 2016

Accountant General's Department

The Controller and Accountant General’s Department had earlier declared that it will freeze the salaries of public sector workers who fail to obtain an e-zwich card by the May 31 deadline.

Government has temporarily suspended its move to pay public sector workers through the electronic payment platform, E-Zwich, following resistance by workers.

The caution was contained in a statement released by the department, which said:

"We wish to remind employees that the deadline for registration of the e-zwich is indicated above… the CAGD will suspend the salaries of employees who do not register for the e-zwich cards by the deadline.”

However, at ameeting held between the 12 labour unions in the country who form the Forum, the Finance Ministry, and the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations on Thursday agreed to suspend the programme.

The meeting also concluded that no worker should have his name deleted from the payroll for failing to submit an e-zwich number and particulars to the CAGD.

It was also agreed that every worker of the public service, effective end of May 2016, will continue to receive their entire salary through the traditional banking system whether they have registered with e-zwich or not.