Largest wage package under present regime, say TUs

COLOMBO: Trade Unions yesterday emphasised that the biggest wage hikes in the public service history was granted under the Government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

They pointed out that two years ago the minimum wage of a State sector employees was fixed at Rs. 7,848 and at present it has been raised to Rs. 11,730.

While raising the wages in this unprecedented fashion the Government also made the largest number of recruitment to the State sector, they add.

With the new recruitments made on the President’s direction the current figure of the State sector employees stands around 1.1 million.

Public Services Trade Union Federation President W.A. Piyadasa recalled how recruitment to the public service was halted by circular under the UNP regime adding that there was no need for special mention as to the benefits received by those who joined the state sector after going through such a traumatic period.

Describing the 2006-2007 period as the golden era of the state sector employees, Piyadasa said what was noteworthy was that special attention was paid to the state sector during this period even amidst trying economic conditions at a time the Government was devoting all its energies and resources towards rooting out terrorism from the country.

“The Government has been compelled to spend a colossal amount of money in this exercise. In addition it has to spend an astronomical Rs. 214 billion to meet the wage bill of public servants. This is, while carrying out its mega development programmes successfully for which Rs. 1,000 billion has been set apart”.

Under the circumstance, the State sector employees should ask themselves if the Government can afford to meet their demands for a disproportionate sum as festival advance, he said.

He observed that the Government which has offered enhanced salaries, incentives and other facilities to public sector employees had reached a decisive moment in its fight to protect the country’s sovereignty.

The time has therefore come for all countrymen for deep reflection and to push into the background all thoughts of personal gain and benefits.

These TUs also referred to the President’s National Day speech where he promised the Nation that their sacrifices and hardships were only temporary and calling on them to endure these difficulties for a short period and dedicate their efforts to fulfil the country’s development goals.