WAMCO staff forced to attend respect campaign launch despite unpaid salaries

Employees of Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) say they are being forced to attend the launch ceremony of the government's national respect campaign on Saturday night, even though some have not yet received last month's salary. Employees who spoke to Adhadhu said WAMCO management has instructed them to attend the ceremony. "Compelled to go to the ceremony, but still last month's salary is not given to some employees," one WAMCO employee said. Beyond WAMCO, employees of some other state-owned enterprises are also being forced by the government to attend the launch of the national campaign on paying respect, scheduled for Saturday night. Some WAMCO employees expressed concern that the delayed salary has left them unable to pay bills, resulting in fines, and has delayed rent payments. The issue of late salary payments has been recurring since last year, with most employees now receiving their salary close to the 10th of each month. The Civil Service Commission last week sent a letter to Permanent Secretaries and responsible heads of government offices compelling civil service employees to attend the ceremony as well. The letter also instructs them to ensure the participation of civil service employees in the launch of the national campaign on paying respect. The ceremony, planned by the Heritage Ministry, is to be held on Saturday in the Maafannu track area. According to information received by Adhadhu, the Heritage Ministry has so far spent a large amount on the campaign. The project's slogan has been set as "The joy of respect – the benefit of society", and the campaign is to be carried out for five years. The government has also decided to mark the national day of paying respect at the national level once every year.