5 Union Groups Snub Budget Talks as Junior Minister Triggers Angry Walk-Out

Pre-budget consultations for the 2026-27 fiscal year turned into a standoff yesterday as the National Trade Union Confederation (NTUC) staged a high-profile walk-out, protesting what they termed a lack of respect and transparency from the government.

The meeting, convened by the Ministry of Finance to discuss the nation’s economic future, was chaired by Junior Minister Dhaneshwar Damry.

Union leaders, who had explicitly demanded the presence of Finance Minister and Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, refused to participate under Mr Damry’s chairmanship.

The boycott was joined by the Mauritius Labour Congress (MLC) and the CTSP, while other federations chose to remain.

“A One-Way Exercise”

NTUC President Narendranath Gopee expressed “great surprise” at the Prime Minister’s absence, arguing that a Junior Minister lacks the authority to answer critical questions on national policy.

“We have no intention of participating in a one-way exercise where only trade unionists speak and the government communicates no information,” Mr Gopee stated.

He specifically questioned who authorised the shift of the Basic Retirement Pension (BRP) to age 65 and why the population was “taken by surprise” by this move during last year’s consultations.

The NTUC’s platform for the upcoming budget includes:

• Pension Reform: Immediate reintroduction of the BRP at age 60.
• Economic Controls: Strict control of inflation and a total ban on privatisation.
• Sustainability: Achieving food self-sufficiency and revising the free transport system.

A “Malaise” on the Horizon

The walk-out reflects a deeper dissatisfaction with the “Alliance du Changement” government.

NTUC leader Devanand Ramjuttun claimed the public is “disappointed” after the 2025-26 budget failed to deliver results and instead eroded workers’ rights through the withdrawal of social benefits.

“The Junior Minister is not even a Cabinet member; he is in no position to take decisions,” Mr Ramjuttun added.

Clency Bibi, President of the General Workers Federation (GWF), called for a complete overhaul of the “ultraliberal” economic model.

He highlighted a staggering Rs 12 billion spent on fossil fuel imports last year—costing each citizen roughly Rs 200,000 annually—and urged the government to facilitate solar energy and agricultural revival.

Voices of Dissent and Warning

Not all unions joined the walk-out. Deepak Benydin of the CITU argued that staying was the only way to maintain social dialogue.

He secured a commitment for a second meeting before the budget speech and raised urgent concerns regarding:

• Protection against price hikes amid the Middle East crisis.
• The creation of a Parastatal Service Bodies Commission to end favouritism.
• The establishment of a “Trade Union House” to support youth and curb brain drain.

Meanwhile, Ramesh Ramnarain (MTUC) warned that Mauritius is “sitting on a volcano,” stating that any budgetary “false move” could shatter social peace.

Supporting this, Prakash Baluckram (GSEA) reminded the government that the electorate should not be underestimated or forced to bear the brunt of budgetary imbalances.

Sanjay Sembhoo (CDS) concluded with a plea for health-conscious budgeting, noting a 10% annual rise in cancer cases over the last decade.

He slammed the continued use of pesticides banned abroad for 25 years and called for a shift toward biodegradable alternatives to plastic.

The Ministry of Finance has received the NTUC’s memorandum, but union leaders insist their door remains open only to the Prime Minister.

Source: Le Mauricien