Workers’ Unions have protested a government proposal to cut 5% of Civil Servants’ salaries to fund pensions. The associations argue that workers are already earning very little and that the government should increase their salaries before making any deductions.
The proposal was part of the Public Service Pension Fund Bill, 2023, which aims to establish an independent pension scheme for public servants. However, labor union leaders from the National Organization of Trade Unions (NOTU) and the Central Organization of Free Trade Unions (COFTU) oppose the plan, citing low salaries as a major concern.
Appearing before the Parliamentary Committee of Public Service and Local Government chaired by Ojara Martin Mapenduzi member of the Parliament representing Gulu West (Bardege-Layibi Division)which is scrutinizing the Public Service Pension Fund Bill 2023, they argued that they have been proposing to the government to increase salaries for a long time in vain, saying it’s not fair to ask workers to sacrifice 5% of their already meager salaries.
Workers’ MPs, including Arinaitwe Rwakajara and Margret Rwobushaija, have joined the labor associations and proposed that the government carries the burden of contributing the entire 15% to the proposed fund until when salaries are enhanced.
The labor associations have also expressed concerns about the representation of workers on the proposed fund board, which will oversee the pension scheme. They argue that two representatives are insufficient and that four out of seven positions should be allocated to workers.
In addition, the associations have appealed to parliament to increase funding for the Public Pensions Council, led by Rosemary Namatovu Senabulya, to enable it to fulfill its responsibilities.
