PEA demands for salary increase in new log of claims lodged to DPM
Economic downturn in the country has forced the Public Employees Association to table a log of claims to the government to improve the conditions of public servants.
One of the key agendas vocally highlighted was the need to increase salaries for public servants.
PEA earlier this week filed a new log of claims to the government through Department of Personnel Management.
The claims represent the demands from the association to the government to award the public servants such as teachers, security personnel and medical professionals amongst others.
The priority areas demanded to take effect starting next year include.
- General salary increases of seven percent per annum for 2025-2027,
- Performance and productivity increase for five percent from 2025 to 2027,
- Remote and rural risk allowance for 10 percent per annum from 2025 to 2027.
- Bargaining agent is also demanded for 10 percent per annum subject to the total salary emolument bill.
- Insurance for all PEA financial members to be paid by the state.
PEA general secretary Ugwalubu Mowana said negotiating agent was ready to conversations to address these matters.
“The PEA is now ready to negotiate for new improvements on terms and conditions for public servants in the country and that includes general salary increases, performance and productivity, he said.
“And also, PEA has recognized the need for improving the rural remote districts and public servants living in the districts and working there.
“There should be some enticement, some incentives to be accorded.”
The lodgment on Monday signaled that formal discussion by way of industrial negotiations between the state and PEA will commence.
Current agreement done in 2022 which paved way for three percent income increase will lapse at the end of this year.
Association president Isowa More said the move to better salaries and other terms and conditions of service was due to high cost of living.
“That is basically to support our public service with the current price of goods and services,” More said of the salary increment.
“I think the current three percent CPI cannot cater for that ever-increasing cost of living.”
The government honored its commitment in the last three years and PEA is hoping that the new claims presented will be considered accordingly.
“EA went to public service arbitration and conciliation tribunal to get that three percent,” he said of the previous MOA.
“It didn't come through a normal conciliation process. The state locked the door, so PEA had to go to another stage in the industrial process.
"I hope that this time round PEA should not go to public service conciliation and arbitration.”
President More added that the association was aware of the budget cycle, and it was important to lodge the claims within the budget timeframe for consideration.