Nahhas Expresses Relief over Wage Plan
Labor Minister Charbel Nahhas expressed relief on Friday over the approval of the wage hike decree proposed by him, stressing that as soon as the Shura Council issues its verdict it will be published in the official gazette.
“We hope that it will be submitted for publication in the official gazette by Thursday, since it’s before the end of the year and the people will be paid their rights in accordance with the holidays,” Nahhas told As Safir newspaper.
He stressed that his move at the cabinet was “legal.”
On Wednesday, Nahhas pushed his proposal on the wage hike to vote during the cabinet session dealing a blow to Prime Minister Najib Miqati’s agreement with the Economic Committees and the General Labor Confederation on another wage hike proposal.
The new cabinet decision calls for raising the minimum wage to LL868,000 including transportation allowance, while Miqati’s agreement with the business leaders and the GLC suggested it reaches LL675,000.
Nahhas noted that “he can’t predict the Shura Council decision on the issue,” but the cabinet will decide upon the issue in the light of the verdict.
Asked about the parties that opposed his proposal, he said that “it is normal… Especially when everyone is protecting personal their interests.”
The Labor Minister’s step stirred a controversy as his move was described by many as a “political step” aimed at undermining Miqati’s role.
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