KUWAIT CITY, Sept 27: The recent spate of labor strikes in the country may lead to dire consequences if the government fails to review the current pay scales of public sector employees, reports Al-Anba daily quoting Chairman of the General Congress of 11/11 Forces Daifullah Nahar Al-Otaibi.
Al-Otaibi believes the alleged ongoing studies and difficulties at the Civil Service Commission (CSC) are just excuses being used by the government to dodge the salary issue. He compared the commission to a ‘graveyard’ for salary increment proposals, making the employees feel they will not get anything unless they go on strike. He said protest actions harm the interests of citizens and residents because everything stops in government departments every time the workers organize a sit-in.
Holding the government responsible for the deteriorating situation in state institutions, Al-Otaibi asserted the executive authority must follow in the footsteps of its Qatari counterpart, which has granted 120 percent across-the-board salary increase to all employees. He pointed out this is the best solution since it guarantees equality among workers, regardless of their position.
Meanwhile, the Director of Anti-infection Department Dr Haifa Al-Mousa says sterilization technicians receive good salaries and that include nature of job allowances, reports Al-Qabas daily.
According to Al-Mousa, Civil Service Commission (CSC) reviewed demands the department presented recently as lacking merit. She noted the CSC has since directed the ministry to review the salaries of workers, including technicians and other personnel. She insisted the strike didn’t affect transactions and the ministry will take appropriate steps to ensure smooth workflow, so that patients do not suffer in such situations.
Al-Mousa refuted claim that she stopped protestors from resuming work, “rather, I urged them to return to duty and promised the department will deal with their grievances.” She said about 90 women technicians declined to participate in the strike.