13th month pay |25 January 2024

Government will provide funds to pay all Seychellois workers up to grade 5 in the IOT salary structure

The Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade has rejected the statement made on Facebook regarding non-payment of 13th month salary for Seychellois workers at the Indian Ocean Tuna Ltd (IOT).

In a press release issued yesterday, the ministry gave its commitment that it will provide the funds to pay all Seychellois workers up to grade 5 in the IOT salary structure.

“This covers 350 out of 375 workers at the company. This is in line with government objective of ensuring the lower income workers are safeguarded,” read the statement.

The ministry has also urged IOT management to consider payment for the remaining workers on higher incomes.

“It is important to note that IOT is a profitable commercial entity operating in the International Trade Zone with the government holding only 40 percent shares.”

“Despite having no obligation to do so, the government has decided to use taxpayers’ funds to cover this payment and has instructed IOT to make the necessary payments,” added the press release.

It stated that the government expects IOT to make a greater effort in the future to contribute towards the 13th month salary for its Seychellois workers, as part of ongoing discussions with other shareholders.

The ministry has also reminded members of the public not to rely on unverified information from social media but from official sources.

Press Release from the Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade