Good news for workers. We mention it cautiously, as the cost of living and various contributions and assistance no longer suffice given the madness of prices and the significant rise in fuel prices, especially since a tank of gasoline has reached half a million Lebanese Lira. However, it is a joyful announcement for employees, as the decree regarding the cost of living for the private sector has been approved and signed by President Michel Aoun after payments to public sector employees began.
In this context, the head of the General Labor Union, Bashar Asmar, confirms in a statement to MTV that "it includes all workers in the private sector subject to labor law. Those who earn a salary less than 4 million Lira will receive 1,325,000 Lira, while those who earn more than 4 million will enter negotiations with employers to determine the percentage of increase in cooperation with the 'General Labor Union' and the Ministry of Labor. Consequently, the minimum wage has become two million Lira for those subject to labor law." He reveals that "this development, alongside raising the maximum salary subject to social security contributions, qualifies us soon to raise social security rates by two or three times while the rates are still being paid at 1,500 Lira."
He adds, "We have also started proposing an increase in the transport allowance, which remains at 64,000 Lira for the public sector and 65,000 Lira for the private sector, which is insufficient especially with gasoline reaching 500,000 Lira. Because of the outrageous prices, we have demanded to raise the transport allowance to 150,000 Lira, and negotiations are ongoing; we are open to dialogue," stating that "it is unacceptable not to increase the transport allowance, as we can no longer go to work, and citizens are working 'for free'."
But is this enough? When asked, Asmar answers: "Certainly not enough; the minimum wage should be around 10 million at least, but we are following a 'take and demand' strategy, and our demands will continue."
Lara Abi Raef - MTV
