Eighteen trade unions representing the Joint Committee of Government Executive Officers are set to initiate a trade union action as a protest against what they perceive as the Government’s failure to address the challenges faced by professionals in the public sector. The Joint Committee of Executive Officers has decided to report sick for two days, as stated in a written notification sent to the Secretary to the President.
An Additional Secretary to the President confirmed this action, referring to a letter dated April 29, 2024, issued by the Joint Committee to the Secretary to the President. The letter, titled “Government’s failure to provide solutions to the problems faced by public sector professionals at present,” highlights four key conditions, including the removal of salary anomalies, the absence of salary increments for eight years, and the establishment of a promotion system among executive officers in the public service.
According to the Additional Secretary, executive officers plan to report sick on April 2 and 3 as part of their protest. The letter also warns of stricter trade union actions if their demands continue to be neglected by the authorities.
Expressing personal views, the Additional Secretary noted concerns about setting such conditions amidst the country’s severe economic crisis, which is currently stabilizing under challenging circumstances. He highlighted the hardships faced by 22 million citizens during this economic downturn, including wage cuts in the private sector, contrasting the situation with the public sector where executive officers enjoy higher salaries and benefits.
The Additional Secretary emphasized that implementing the suggested solutions would not be feasible suddenly and questioned the humane aspect of resorting to trade union actions instead of collectively addressing the country’s ongoing challenges.