Finance and Improvement Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has reaffirmed the Authorities of Liberia’s unwavering dedication to the enforcement of the nationwide minimal wage inside the central authorities.
The Minister’s remarks are available in response to public claims suggesting that some civil servants are incomes under the legally mandated threshold of US$150 per thirty days.
Addressing the problem throughout a media engagement on just lately in Monrovia, Minister Ngafuan firmly acknowledged that through the nationwide price range formulation course of, the President gave a transparent directive and the price range was adjusted accordingly to make sure that no worker of the central authorities earns under the minimal wage of US$150. “I’m happy to verify that this dedication has been absolutely applied.”
The Respectable Work Act, which governs labor requirements throughout the Republic, mandates a minimal month-to-month wage of US$150 for all staff, each in the private and non-private sectors. Whereas the Ministry of Labor is tasked with monitoring compliance within the non-public sector, the MFDP has taken full duty for making certain that central authorities payrolls align with the legislation.
Minister Ngafuan clarified that studies of civil servants receiving lower than US$150 stem from confusion between gross and internet pay, noting that deductions like taxes, social safety, and mortgage repayments usually private or statutory don’t violate the minimal wage legislation.
He additional clarified that authorities salaries are disbursed in a dual-currency structure-70% in U.S. {dollars} and 30% in Liberian {dollars}. This association, coupled with particular person monetary obligations, might impression the ultimate take-home quantity, however doesn’t alter the official wage construction.
Recognizing the necessity for broader public understanding of those monetary processes, Minister Ngafuan emphasised the significance of enhanced public training on issues of compensation and budgeting. “We acknowledge that extra have to be executed to enhance public monetary literacy. A well-informed public is important for transparency and accountability, and we’re dedicated to open communication,” he stated.
Minister Ngafuan inspired all authorities workers with questions or considerations relating to their pay to hunt clarification by way of the suitable administrative channels.