By Samuel Sukhnandan | December 2, 2024
The ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has strongly defended the recent public sector salary increases, which amount to an 80 percent rise over the past five years.
Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the PPP, responded to opposition criticism, calling their dismissal of the raises as a “pittance” unfounded.
Under the new pay arrangements, public sector employees will receive a 10 percent retroactive salary increase for 2024, with an additional 8 percent raise for 2025, as announced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali.
Jagdeo emphasized that these hikes reflect a significant boost in the public sector wage bill, which has risen from $126.8 billion in 2020 to $210.7 billion, marking an increase of $83.9 billion per year.
Jagdeo dismissed opposition claims about the pay increases, pointing out that the opposition’s criticisms were fueled by frustration that the wage hikes have been positively received by public sector unions.
He noted that the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) had signed off on the two-year agreement, underscoring the support for the wage hikes from the public sector workforce.
In addition to the salary increases, Dr. Jagdeo highlighted other benefits for public sector employees, including the provision of 100 duty-free vehicles, increases in travel, housing, and qualification allowances, as well as debunching.
He emphasized that these measures collectively improve the public sector’s competitiveness, positioning it as a more attractive career option that can rival private sector employment opportunities.
Dr. Jagdeo further assured that employees in public enterprises, even those whose unions had not signed agreements, would also benefit from the announced salary increases and associated benefits, demonstrating the government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of public servants.
This latest round of pay hikes, along with the accompanying benefits, is viewed as a key part of the government’s strategy to improve public sector service and retain skilled workers in the public sector workforce.