MAG census workers protest delayed pay, contracted firm responds

Census workers hired for Paraguay's National Agricultural Survey (ENA Chaco 2026) are voicing strong complaints over delayed payments and potential deductions from their earnings. The survey, conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) in the Chaco region, concluded in May, but many workers hired through the contracted firm, Consorcio Agrotech, have yet to receive their full compensation.

Consorcio Agrotech, which secured the contract for G. 5.954 billion (approximately $800,000 USD), has stated that payment processing is contingent upon the "technical validation of the data collected." However, workers allege that the company has also indicated possible reductions in their pay, citing "inconsistencies" found during a review of their work. This has caused significant concern among the approximately 210 workers awaiting payment, with individual earnings estimated around G. 9 million (roughly $1,200 USD).

Workers argue that the survey's timeline, initially estimated at one month, was extended due to challenging weather conditions in the Chaco region, leading to work continuing until mid-May. They expressed frustration over the lack of communication from Agrotech since the survey's completion until a recent notification about potential payment issues. The workers are questioning the firm's capacity to manage the project and process payments fairly, especially after the extended period of work.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock officially launched the ENA Chaco 2026 survey in March. The survey aimed to gather crucial information on agricultural and livestock production in the Western Region. The dispute highlights a significant breakdown in communication and payment processes between the contracted firm and the field personnel responsible for collecting vital national data.