Safadi Recognizes ‘Rightful’ Labor Demands
Finance Minister Mohammed al-Safadi recognized on Saturday the rightful demands of the Lebanese laborers to live in dignity in their own country.
Safadi said in a statement that the 2012 draft state budget includes a plan that would cover the social and health care costs for all workers, which would be added to the increase in salaries that the cabinet approved in January.
However, the minister noted that improving the worker’s living standards is connected to the increase in productivity which is linked to the economy.
“We understand the rightful demands of the workers, the teachers, the (public transportation) drivers and all the other sectors but the finance ministry that is responsible for the public money is committed to achieve balance between the income and spending as it is responsible in providing financial and social stability,” Safadi said.
Voice of Lebanon radio (100.5) reported that head of the General Labor Confederation Ghassan Ghosn announced that a nationwide strike on May 3 will go on.
The strike is to demand the government to cap the rising gasoline prices.
Several sectors held protests recently demanding the cabinet to implement their demands.
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/38462 |