As we reported yesterday, employees working for Kigali Professional Cleaners lay down their tools over the alleged refusal of their employer to remit their social security contributions. These employees all worked at the National University of Rwanda, based in Huye.

Without taking sides with any of the two parties, the fact that this issue is even being brought up is worrisome. The overwhelming majority of social security fund contributors are not self-employed. They, therefore, have to trust that their employers remit their monthly contributions to the Rwanda Social Security Board(RSSB).

However, in the event that the employers refuse to remit social security contributions for whatever reason, RSSB must be able to compel employers to meet their obligation.

A situation where an employee retires or gets injured on the job and is unable to continue working, and then discovers that their pension is not forthcoming simply because the employers fault, must be avoided at all costs.

Such employers should be blacklisted and their activities investigated.

Rwandans should feel secure in their retirement plans. The enforcement of social security contributions by RSSB will allow that to happen. Situations where employees have to go on strike must become a thing of the past.