TEWU Demands 50% Base Pay Increase Ahead of Salary Negotiations
The Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) is demanding a 50 percent increase in base pay for public sector employees as organised labour prepares to engage the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations in the upcoming public sector salary negotiations.
According to the union, the rising cost of living, escalating utility tariffs, and persistent increases in fuel prices have significantly eroded the real value of workers’ wages, making it increasingly difficult for employees to maintain a decent standard of living.
In a statement, TEWU stressed that only a substantial upward adjustment in base pay would restore equity and cushion workers against the country’s current economic challenges.
“The economic pressures faced by workers have become unbearable, and only a meaningful increase in pay can help protect the livelihoods of public sector employees,” the union asserted.
Responding to the concerns, the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Dr Rashid Pelpuo, acknowledged the validity of the union’s grievances but emphasised the need to balance wage demands with the government’s fiscal capacity.
“Government recognises the concerns raised by TEWU and other labour unions. However, we must ensure that any agreement reached is consistent with the country’s economic realities,” Dr Pelpuo stated.
He further assured that the proposal would be thoroughly assessed as part of the ongoing engagement between government and organised labour.
The upcoming negotiations form part of the annual review of public sector salaries, where representatives of the government and organised labour deliberate on the national base pay for the following fiscal year.
