Director of Human Resources Le’i Sonny Thomsen gave indications at a House hearing today that his department most likely will reinstate payroll deductions.
Payroll deductions were discontinued in 2013 by then Treasurer Falema’o Dr. Phil Pili who said that the service was costly for the government and it was unfair to other taxpayers.
Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui said at the hearing that his constituents want payroll deduction because its costing them to travel here to pay their bills and loans.
DHR Director Le’i told lawmakers that if payroll deduction is offered for bill payment of certain companies such as Florence Saulo and Associates, or Pili Mai, it must be offered to all other companies.
It was his understanding this is what the companies want.
Since 2014, DHR has been handling ASG payroll, previously a function of Treasury.
Le’i said the banks also want payroll deductions for loan payments but there’s so much work required.
He said payment of bills was a person’s responsibility not the employer’s
Play AudioLe’i payroll
The DHR director said they did not object to payroll deductions but were looking at how employees will be able to absorb the workload.
He also wants the workers to understand that there’ll be a fee and DHR wanted to find out first if ASG employees still want this service of they have to pay for it.
He said nothing is free anymore and people should accept charges.
Before they were stopped ASG payroll deductions were made at a cost to employees.
