SRC Halts Public Salary .
SRC Halts Public Salary . SRC Halts Public Salary Increases to Curb High Government Wage Bill.
Introduction
The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has taken action to address the high government wage bill by deciding against upward salary revisions for public servants.
1. SRC’s Directive to Employers:
SRC has advised employers not to raise salaries of public servants unless under specific circumstances.
2. Considerations for Collective Bargaining:
Affordability and fiscal sustainability are crucial in any bargaining negotiations, emphasized the SRC chair, Lyn Mengich.
3. Achieving Sustainability and Harmonization:
The decision aims to achieve sustainability and harmonization within the country, Mengich highlighted at the 3rd Wage Bill Conference.
4. Caution to Employers:
Employers are cautioned against initiating salary reviews if they cannot afford to sustain them in the long run.
5. Budget Allocation Recommendation:
Institutions are encouraged to allocate 50% of their budget for salaries, with measures put in place to achieve this benchmark progressively.
6. Retention of Salary Structures:
Institutions above the 50th percentile will retain their salary structures, while those below will be guided towards the 50th percentile gradually.
7. SRC’s Role in Salary Determination:
Mengich clarified that salary points are determined and developed by SRC, emphasizing the commission’s pivotal role in ensuring equitable distribution.
8. Salary Increment Guidelines:
Employers are urged to implement salary increments as recommended by SRC, especially for employees paid below the midpoint.
9. Economic Realities:
Employers and employees are urged to consider the current state of the economy and government measures before seeking salary increases. This means that employees are required to be patient.
10. Ongoing Doctor’s Strike:
The directive comes amid an ongoing doctors’ strike, underscoring the urgency of addressing salary needs and other demands.
Conclusion
By halting public salary increases, SRC aims to address the pressing issue of the high government wage bill while promoting fiscal responsibility and sustainability in public sector remuneration.