The New Dawn Liberia | Truly Independent

Information available to this paper indicates a plan go slow by civil servants to press home their demand for timely payment of their salaries and the in-statement of several colleagues recently dismissed by Finance Minister Amara Konneh in days following his takeover.

Some of the affected employees have already begun seeking legal redress, as the minister’s popularity amongst public servants witnessed a low.

As part of the reasons for the plan demonstration, public employees alleged that since the takeover of Minister Konneh as Minister of Finance, civil servants around the country are said to be experiencing difficulties in getting their wages on time.

One public employee who spoke to this paper Tuesday claims delays in their salary payment, and expressed their disappointment in the Konneh’s administration saying that even with the allegation of corruption that has characterized the Ngafuan administration, their salaries were regular.

Civil servants had earlier planned to boycott Tuesday’s celebration of World Labor Day on grounds that the government does not care about its employees. The civil servants reminded government that they are the force behind its achievements.

When contacted Tuesday the Ministry of Finance attributed the current slow pace of salary payment to civil servants to ongoing payroll reform exercise.

The ministry has called on those employees being affected by the ongoing exercise to remain calm as everything is being done to fast track the reform process to ensure that deserving civil servants receive their genuine salaries.

A Finance Ministry statement issued here says the reform process is being conducted to correct errors that were discovered in the payroll system and to assure accurate payment of civil servants’ salaries.

The government financial house also states that the reform process is intended to minimize wastes and ensure that the wage bill is properly managed and expended appropriately.

The statement said about 85% of salary payment to civil servants has been completed and that all payments will be concluded this week.  It said paymasters are currently disbursing salaries to civil servants across the country.

At the same time, the Civil Service Association, an umbrella organization has warned the interim leadership of the association not to engage in any demonstration against the government.

The CSA said it is disappointed in the interim leadership, and indicated that it is unlawful for any officer or employee of government or any agency thereof to participate in any strike against the state.

The CSA through its Media Consultant, Daylue Goah said why would some of its members opt for strike action when it is the body responsible to do due diligence.

Making reference to Chapter 6, Section One, of the Standing Orders of the Civil Service, the CSA said it is the policy of government that full and fair consideration shall be given when an employee or group of employees alleged that they have been unlawfully treated in the course of their work.

However, aggrieved workers must follow the grievance procedures as spelled out in the Standing Orders.