The administrative body of the Association of Public Administration Employees considered in a statement that “in light of the exceptional and unprecedented circumstances under which the nation is suffering, and with the escalation of the repercussions of the war that pushed thousands of citizens, including a large number of public administration employees, to forced displacement and leave their homes, and in view of the wave of high prices that led to a new erosion in the value of salaries, silence is no longer acceptable nor is waiting possible.”
The statement added: “In light of the developments, the Authority held an in-person meeting devoted to following up on the employees’ conditions and taking the necessary measures, and it concluded by emphasizing the necessity of communicating the voice to those concerned to explain the reality and put pressure towards obtaining some of the urgent rights.”
In a related context, a delegation from the association’s administrative body visited the Minister of Finance, Yassin Jaber, where they presented him with a memorandum containing preliminary demands.
The statement indicated that the minister expressed “his sympathy for the validity of these demands, and the necessity of coordination with the concerned authorities to secure what alleviates the suffering of employees,” stressing that “the issue of the six salaries is an acquired right, and will be disbursed as soon as possible, even in light of the challenges imposed by the war and with a retroactive effect.”
The attendees also discussed “the necessity of providing urgent social assistance to all workers in public administration.”
To the same end, he met with the Director General of Civil Planning, Ali Ramadan, who in turn affirmed his full support and solidarity with the employees in their legitimate demands.
Likewise, he met with the Director General of Finance, George Maarawi, declaring his tireless effort to reconcile the available financial capabilities with the rights of employees, and affirming his support for them.
The Authority appreciated these positions in light of the current situation, especially the efforts of the Minister of Finance, expressing its hope that they will be “quickly translated into practical steps that lead to a tangible improvement in the conditions of employees with their various titles.”
The Association extended its thanks, appreciation and support to all workers in the public administration, whether appointed or seconded from other sectors, especially the service ministries that handle the displacement file through continuous work day and night, stressing to all skeptics and disinterested people that the public administration with all its ministries is the basic foundation for preserving the nation in peace and war.
She called on the government to “assume its responsibilities towards the departments concerned with managing this humanitarian file, led by the Ministry of Social Affairs and its ministries and service departments, as they work additional hours outside of work and with additional effort, and therefore they must be provided with additional financial and moral compensation.”
