The gathering of retired military personnel issued a statement saying: "Now that the government met yesterday, exploiting the good intentions of retired military personnel by allowing it to address the issue of salaries and wages in a fair manner that satisfies all, and after the government issued its decisions on this matter in a way that does not consider the simplest rules of justice and equality, or the miserable social and living conditions endured by retired military personnel and employees, the gathering announces its rejection of the increase given to retirees due to its meager value and its comparison with what was given to public sector employees under misleading titles such as transportation and productivity allowances. Consequently, the pension of the retiree has decreased to about 60% of the salary of an equivalent active-duty employee in the same job grade, contrary to the National Defense Law and the retirement and service termination system which clearly specified the aforementioned percentage as 85%. This is a blatant violation of the law which the authority is supposed to uphold as a role model, not to stab in the back whenever it pleases.”
It added: “The crippling living crisis chokes both active employees and retirees alike, due to unprecedented inflation and astronomical taxes and fees that have consumed everything. Therefore, the government’s one-sided view amounts to racial discrimination among employees who are equal before the law in rights and duties. Retired military personnel will not stand idly by in the face of the injustice inflicted upon them and will express that through actions and movements. They call on the government to start, effective immediately, the process of correcting the discrepancies within the three months promised, otherwise we will be facing a new phase of escalation that is completely different from previous ones.”
The statement concluded: “While the gathering denies the rumors propagated by some media outlets about differing opinions among retired military personnel regarding the handling of the wage increase issue, it emphasizes its strong unity and resilience like a solid structure facing the malicious authority's tricks and spreading of rumors to sow discord among its ranks, confirming that it will keep its meetings open to discuss subsequent actions in light of the authority's response to its demands or lack thereof. As long as our weapon is the truth, we will not rest or retreat.”
