Miqati: New Wages Scale Dispute Cannot Be Resolved through Escalation
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
Prime Minister Najib Miqati stated on Thursday that the dispute over the new wages scale should be resolved through calm discussions.
He said: “The dispute cannot be settled through negativity and escalation.”
Calm discussions should be held over the best means to fund the new salaries while maintaining the rights of the public sector employees and preserving the financial balance in Lebanon, he added.
Wednesday's cabinet session witnessed “in depth” discussions over the new wages scale, monetary situation, and possible negative impact of the scale, he revealed.
“An agreement was reached that the issue needs further assessment and contacts with financial, local, and international institutions,” remarked Miqati.
“We understand the Syndicate Coordination Committee's protests and the demands of the workers, but we are ultimately responsible for maintaining monetary stability,” he stressed.
“We cannot take risks by approving hasty decisions that harm the economy,” declared the premier.
“We had relayed this position to the concerned officials at the Syndicate Coordination Committee at the beginning of the crisis,” he said.
Miqati stressed the need to keep this issue away from political meddling “because we are all concerned with protecting our country.”
The case will be discussed during the next cabinet session in a hope that it will be resolved and referred to parliament for its approval, he added.
The Syndicate Coordination Committee staged a nationwide strike on Thursday to protest the cabinet's failure on Wednesday to refer the controversial new wages scale to the parliament for approval.
The cabinet convened at the Baabda Palace on Wednesday during a session attended by Central Bank Governor Riyad Salameh who sought to stall the referral of the bill until the government finds the appropriate funding resources to boost the new salaries scale.
“We take responsibility for strikes but we will not approve a decision that might bring down (the financial situation) in the country,” Finance Minister Mohammed al-Safadi told al-Joumhouria newspaper.
08 November 2012, 14:01
02
Dear Mr. Mikati,
A manifestation is not an Escalation, it is the natural right of any Lebanese citizen who feels that his voice is always falling on deaf ears. Time and time again your government is incapable of resolving small issues. It is time for this Government to go away. A void in the government is always better than a government that is handicapped and controlled by a bunch of thugs from both sides.
Please stop beating around the bush and spare law abiding Lebanese citizens what little dignity they still have.
Thank you
08 November 2012, 15:28
01
This guy always sings the same tune whatever is the situation...
"we understand" "we cna't take the risk" "we should discuss" ...uuuufffffff!! Enough!
08 November 2012, 15:49
10
Mikati, even though your allies stink, You talk reason. Let the others bark. Dont listen to them. You are walking the middle line and doing the right choices in very difficult circumstances. Allah ykhallik lalibnein.
08 November 2012, 17:43
00
Why hasnt this gifted Prime Minister been able to note nine months ago when a decision was taken to raise the minimum wage that the country could not afford it?the decision was rash , irresponsible.A man who makes such decisions does not deserve to be a Prime Minister.
08 November 2012, 22:06
00
Our dear prime minister and pretty much all of the ministers tend to forget that we are the people, we are their employers and that they are there to serve us.
