THE National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) is requesting a 20 per cent salary increase for government employees who are paid on an hourly basis.
NUPW has more than 500 members who work in government.
Union general secretary Rajni Chand said they had written letters to the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Civil Service, Parmesh Chand, to raise their grievances.
“We wrote one letter in April and another one on May 14, and we have not received any response from Mr Chand,” Ms Chand said.
“Our members are government’s hourly paid workers whose pay are very low. If you look at their pay structure, it’s not good at all.
“Most of these workers are tradesmen, caregivers, ward assistants, cleaners, cooks, laundry hands, drivers, clerical workers, labourers, field workers, divers, farmers, quarrymen, watchmen, stockmen and dairymen.
“These are talented skilled workers whose pay is very low.”
She said the last pay increment which their members received was five per cent in 2017.
“After 2018 general election, workers rates were based on merit basis. That means, they had to go through the key performance indicator (KPI), never mind how many years of service they had served.
“And if a worker met 75 per cent of the KPI, then his contract was renewed. This was how they were going through.”
Ms Chand said if their demand was not met, then the union would meet again to discuss their next course of action.
“Our workers are finding difficulties to survive, as some of them are the only bread winners in their family.
“Government should consider increasing their pay instead of worrying about their own wages in Parliament.
“We have also asked if the minimum wage rate could be reviewed.
“We want this to be implemented in the upcoming budget. That’s why we wrote to the Government.”
She said during national disasters, the part time government workers were the first to be called to come and do the job.
“They do more work than other government workers. So, their request should be considered.”
Ms Chand said a lot of experienced and qualified skilled workers were also migrating for greener pastures due to their poor pay rate here.
Mr Parmesh Chand confirmed receiving pay rise request letters from NUPW.
“Yes, we have received their request,” Mr Chand said.
“We are in ongoing liaison with relevant stakeholders within Government as any adjustments in salary of civil servants will be considered holistically as part of the 2024-2025 National Budget process.
“We are open to maintaining dialogue and consultations with all unions who represent civil servants as Government recognises that it is important to listen to everyone and for us to move ahead and find a way forward collaboratively.”
