Making use of the expertise of the International Labour Organisation and the civil society organisations to design a salary structure

Four ministries to hold work sessions to formulate an integrated vision of the wage system

Employment and wages issues are now topping the government’s agenda, according to Egyptian Finance Minister, Dr. Samir Radwan, who stated that the government was keen to study the wage/salary file thoroughly. Sufficient time is to be given for implementation following a thorough study in which the private sector, commercial chambers, industrial unions, civil society organisations and labour unions will participate.

The minister asserted no decision would be taken concerning the wage/salary structure in Egypt before conducting such a comprehensive social debate. The ministries of finance, manpower & emigration, social security, industry and commerce will start intensive sessions and meetings to formulate an integrated vision of the wage/salary system in Egypt, in addition to the best means to eliminate imbalances and distortions in the wage/salary system of the administrative and production sectors.

Dr. Radwan added that civil society organisations would play a part in these meetings and discussions so that a real dialogue might engage the whole society on these important issues.

One of the mechanisms to be used to bring forth an adequate structure is to draw on the rich record and expertise of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). ILO has already assisted several countries in their efforts to reform the wage/salary structure, particularly in Eastern Europe and South Africa.

The government wants to engage the society in these efforts before it passes any decrees, the minister said. The proposed features of the new system will be declared so that a new formulated system would be brought forth to meet the aspirations of the employees of the administrative and production sectors and to achieve social justice for all the brackets of the society.

(Source: Ministry of Finance)