Rising Production Costs Raise Concerns, Says Amit Bakhirta

On August 21, during the broadcast of ‘Au cœur de l’info‘ on Radio Plus, host Jane Lutchmaya welcomed guests Amit Bakhirta and Reza Uteem to discuss the intensifying political climate ahead of the upcoming elections. A major focus of the discussion was the report from the Pay Research Bureau (PRB) and its implications.

Reza Uteem, a member of the Mouvement Militant Mauricien, expressed strong views on the PRB report’s future announcement, which is slated for January 2025.

He argued that this announcement reflects a “knee-jerk reaction” from a beleaguered Prime Minister.

“Just three weeks ago, three ministers were discussing salary adjustments for the private sector.

For public sector employees, the PRB report was initially set for release in January 2026 with a proposed 5% salary increase.

This sparked outrage among union members, leading to a protest outside the government office.

Public servants are furious; they consider a 5% hike insufficient given the rising cost of living. This explains the government’s panicked response,” Uteem asserted.

Amit Bakhirta, the founder of the Anneau organization, expressed that he was not surprised by the announcement, but rather by its timing.

“While I anticipated this announcement, I find the timing troubling. A salary review comes at a time when the economy is just beginning to stabilize and production costs are on the rise, which raises alarms for me,” he stated.

Bakhirta emphasized the urgent need to address the issue of purchasing power, particularly for the most vulnerable segments of society.

He warned that one short-term risk associated with the current situation could be an uptick in unemployment rates, as well as a decline in productivity.

Narendranath Gopee, a union representative, criticized the concept of “back pay,” claiming it lacks any meaningful substance.

He questioned the novelty of the announcements made, emphasizing that the 13th month payment continues to be based on revised salaries.

Gopee cautioned that without substantial justification, the proposed changes risk being seen as mere electioneering.

He also posed critical questions about the methodology for determining new salaries: “Will this report be rushed, offering a vague percentage increase? Will it consider salary adjustments already made in the private sector?”

He advocated for the establishment of a standardized national pay scale for both the public and private sectors.

Reaz Chuttoo joined the discussion, expressing support for the forthcoming release of the PRB report in January 2025.

He noted the importance of rebuilding trust between public servants and the government in light of these developments.

Finally, political analyst and lawyer Kris Valaydon contributed via phone, focusing on the political ramifications of Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth’s announcement.

The dialogue highlighted the broader implications of economic management and public sentiment as the elections approach, underscoring the critical intersections of politics, labor rights, and economic conditions in Mauritius.

Source: Defi Media