New Wages Scale to Face More Obstacles Despite Cabinet's Approval

Despite the cabinet's approval of the new wages scale for the public sector, the controversial issue will face yet another obstacle at the parliament as the March 14 alliance is expected to obstruct it over disapproving the draft law.

According to As Safir newspaper published on Friday, the parliament is expected to convene at the end of September to tackle the issue but studying the matter could take a couple of months until the competent parliamentary committees approve it.

Al-Mustaqbal bloc leader Fouad Saniora, who is a leading member of the March 14 opposition coalition, had previously voiced his disapproval of the draft law as long as there's no administrative reforms and a comprehensive plan.

The second obstacle that could obstruct the new salaries scale is the lack of quorum, where the March 8 majority would have to provide the necessary quorum for the parliament to convene if the March 14 camp decided not to attend.

The cabinet will tackle the sources of the funding of the new wages during a session that is scheduled to be held on September 17 to refer the draft law to the parliament.

Prime Minister Najib Miqati said in comments published in As Safir newspaper that “citizens will not have to handle additional financial burdens” as the cabinet will not implement new taxes.

On Thursday, the cabinet approved during a session at the Baabda Palace the new salaries scale for public employees ending a long dispute that prompted the Syndicate Coordination Committee to hold several sit-ins and strikes.

The government's wages increase will be retroactive from July 1, 2012, but the salary adjustments would be paid in installments over a period of five years.

The state’s treasury will have more than $1billion and 200 million to cover as there are over 180,000 public sector employees including military personnel.

The government plans to boost the treasury’s revenue to cover the expenses of the salaries boost through several proposals including the implementation of a hike on taxes on land parcels and sea properties