Nahhas Says Cabinet to Discuss Shura Council Decision on Wages before Holidays

Labor Minister Charbel Nahhas revealed on Saturday that the cabinet will meet next week to discuss the Shura Council’s modifications on the wage hike bid in order to issue a decree before the holidays.

“The cabinet will meet on Tuesday or Wednesday to discuss the Shura Council modifications… in order to issue a decree before the holidays,” Nahhas told Central News Agency.

The Shura Council approved on Friday the cabinet’s controversial decision on wage hike that caused a series of protests amongst politicians, citizens and Syndicates.

However, the Council conditioned some modifications to the decision without interfering with the amount of increase on brackets.

Last week, the cabinet approved a wage proposal made by Prime Minister Najib Miqati, whereby the minimum wage increased by LL100,000 to LL600,000, salaries under LL1 million by 30% up to a LL200,000 increase, and salaries above LL1 million by a 20% increase up to LL275,000.

Nahhas stressed that the Shura Council reiterated its opinion over the previous wage boost decision with simple amendments.

“Once we received the Shura Council response, we immediately called on the cabinet to put the issue on its agenda for the upcoming session,” he said.

Asked if the cabinet might modify the decision take by it concerning the matter, he said: “I can’t issue a decree that violates the law, according to the Shura Council.”

Nahhas stated that president Michel Suleiman, PM Miqati and all the ministers “want to resolve this issue swiftly before the holidays.”

The minister expressed optimism over resolving the issue as soon as possible.