Mwanza — THE Minister for Labour and Employment, Gaudensia Kabaka has assured mine workers that the government has no intention to abolish withdrawal benefits in February, this year.

Opening a two-day social security funds stakeholders' meeting in Mwanza City , Ms Kabaka strongly dismissed rumours that withdrawal benefits would be abolished in February, this year.

"This workshop is held to clear the air on withdrawal benefits, Tanzanians must understand that the government does not intend to abolish withdrawal benefits," said Ms Kabaka.

She, however, said the government was collecting views from stakeholders to enable social security funds become effective, beneficial and friendlier to all workers.

Minister Kabaka said that the government had already instructed the Social Security Regulatory Authority (SSRA) to withdraw its public notice on withdrawal benefit.

According to her, the government believes that it is important to remove from the law the section that denies members right to withdrawal benefits.

Since the rumours of abolishing withdrawal benefits hit mining sector a few months ago, over 400 workers from Lake Zone major gold mines had tabled resignation letters.

Thomas Sabaya, an official from Tanzania Mining and Construction Workers Union (Tamico) in Geita Gold mine, said over 300 workers had written to have their jobs terminated by the end of 2012.