Labour Unions Express Concerns Over Lack of Consultation on PRB Report

The labour unions have voiced their discontent regarding the absence of consultations concerning the Pay Research Bureau (PRB) report. The Government Services Employees Association (GSEA) emphasized that the PRB adjustments should not be confused with the issue of salary relativity.

The announcement regarding the PRB report has caught both labor representatives and civil servants by surprise.

During the inauguration of the new SAJ Hospital in Constance, Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth stated that the PRB report would be revealed by the end of 2025, with its recommendations set to take effect starting January of that year.

He also indicated that the calculation of the annual bonus (13th month payment) would be based on this new report, a prospect that has excited many.

However, the unions remained concerned, particularly because no consultations have taken place between the main unions and the PRB office to date.

Deepak Benydin, president of the Federation of Parastatal Bodies and Other Unions, raised several questions about the lack of communication, suggesting it could lead to misunderstandings.

He stated, “The union council has requested meetings with the relevant ministers, but to no avail.

While it is one thing for the Prime Minister to make such an announcement at this event, it would have been more appropriate to hold a meeting with the labor movement, as we are the primary stakeholders involved.”

While no one would complain about a potential salary increase through the PRB, especially amid rising living costs, Benydin lamented the delay in the PRB making its report public.

“I remember back when Xavier-Luc Duval was Finance Minister; it only took three years for the report to be issued.”

Nevertheless, he acknowledged that a salary increase would certainly enhance the everyday lives of civil servants.

However, he questioned the government’s recent statements regarding financial difficulties and the challenges of granting salary increases exceeding 5% of the basic pay.

“Why emphasize 2025? What about 2024? We are somewhat disappointed that there is nothing planned for that year.”

Narendranath Gopee, a negotiator for the Federation of Civil Service and Other Unions (FCSOU) and president of the National Trade Union Confederation (NTUC), expressed his dissatisfaction with the timing and context of the Prime Minister’s announcement.

“Is the inauguration of a hospital the right place to discuss this report?

Would it not have been more relevant to focus on healthcare and the challenges associated with the opening of this hospital?

While we welcome the advancement of the healthcare system, we are concerned about the certainty that the Prime Minister displayed with this announcement.

The PRB has historically faced delays in presenting its reports—in 2013, 2016, and 2021. How can we be assured this will be completed by December 2025?

Is there a specific arrangement between the Prime Minister’s office and the PRB to guarantee such certainty?”

Gopee also pointed out that the majority of civil service unions have not yet been consulted.

“There may be over 200 unions within the civil service. To date, no lines of communication have been established, and thus we have not been able to submit our proposals for the finalization of this report.

There is a significant amount of work awaiting those involved with the PRB. Therefore, we would like to know from the Prime Minister what arrangements have been made to ensure the report is released in 2025.”

He also mentioned that this announcement leaves civil servants in a state of uncertainty. “It appeared that there is an attempt to placate them, especially as many work in stressful environments.

With this announcement of back pay, we question the impact on the nation’s finances and where the money will come from.”

Gopee believed this statement should have been made in a different context.

“The last time, it was announced that those working on Sundays would receive double pay, but many have still not received their dues, leading to disputes.

This time, did the Prime Minister understand the extent of his declaration?

Can we speak of direct interference in an independent institution?”

For Haniff Peerun, president of the Mauritius Labour Congress (MLC), the core issue is the lack of dialogue between the PRB and union representatives.

“The PRB has yet to initiate discussions with the union movement; only a few smaller unions have been able to present their proposals.”

While acknowledging that this could represent a significant salary progress for civil servants, he expressed concern over how to ensure regular reports are published every four years instead of the current five.

He noted that this issue affects all Mauritians, as the PRB is funded by public resources.

“Salary increases arising from these recommendations will also be taken from public funds.

With an election approaching, there is a push to maximize gains. It is crucial to remember that the Prime Minister is a politician and made this announcement as a leader of the MSM party, likely aiming to appeal to civil servants.

While he is entitled to do so, it should not contradict the Constitution. Even the opposition proposes measures ahead of elections.”

Nonetheless, the additional funds civil servants received will help them cope with rising living costs, especially given the devaluation of salaries.

“This will provide short-term relief, but it is also essential to find medium- and long-term solutions,” he emphasized.

It is noteworthy that civil servants will receive an interim allowance of 5% based on the Master Salary Scale, as mentioned in the 2021 PRB report.

This translates to a 5% increase in the basic salary, with a maximum of Rs 2,000 and a minimum of Rs 500.

This interim increase will take effect from July 1, 2024, resulting in two months of arrears for July and August, with payment scheduled for September 2024.

Differentiating Between PRB Adjustments and Salary Relativity

The Government Services Employees Association (GSEA) stressed that PRB adjustments should not be confused with the concept of salary relativity.

GSEA president Mohammad Iqbal Amiran expressed his satisfaction with the PRB report expected in December 2025 and its implementation in January 2025.

However, he stressed the necessity for authorities to review salary scales concerning salary relativity. “An individual with ten years of experience earns barely Rs 100 more than a newcomer in the same position at the same company.”

Amiran mentioned that the association has prepared a document addressing salary relativity that could be taken into consideration.

He urged authorities to find a prompt resolution to this pressing issue while also highlighting the critical shortage of personnel within government ministries.

The report concerning salary adjustments is currently under review at the State Law Office (SLO).

As reported during a press conference by the Ministers of Labor and Finance, payments are set to begin in August.

However, documentation is still being validated at the SLO. Once this process is completed, it will be published in the Government Gazette.

It is crucial for companies to comply with wage laws to avoid legal repercussions under the Employment Relations Act (ERA).

Source: l’Express