(MENAFN- Arab Times) The joint teachers committee consisting of members from Kuwait University (KU) and the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) has announced that it will call for a sit-on on Sunday, reports Al-Seyassah daily. The committee wants the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to recognize their legal rights.
Despite efforts to stave off the growing unrest among government workers through official promises to table for discussion the protesters' demands in the regular weekly meeting of the Cabinet this Sunday, it seems the country will witness a new wave of protest actions as the Workers Union of Kuwait Airways Corporation (KAC) intends to organize a strike on Saturday.
Ahead of the KAC workers' strike, the General Customs Administration employees have already carried out a similar action, paralyzing operations at various ports.
Head of the Customs Workers Union Ahmad Al-Enezi has confirmed the success of the ongoing strike, which is now on its third day. He warned if the government keeps on ignoring the workers' demands, the scope of the protest will expand and this might affect travelers, not just merchandise.
Meanwhile, the KAC Workers Union holds the government fully responsible for the worsening situation due to its failure to fulfill its promises and outright disregard of an agreement pertaining to the salary increment and allowances for the employees of KAC and its affiliates.
Moreover, in attempt to lessen the impact of the strike, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) called for a meeting to lay down contingency plans to ensure the passengers with emergency conditions will travel as planned. Until late Friday evening none of the KAC flights had been officially cancelled.
On the other hand, Communications Minister Salim Al-Othaina appealed to the KAC employees to abandon their plan to go on strike, and instead seek legal channels to fight for their rights to protect the nation's interests, without crippling vital facilities.
He understands the concerns of the employees and intends to take the necessary measures to grant their demands, but this will not happen immediately as the decision-making process involves other parties. He called for calm in discussing demands so as not to jeopardize national welfare.
Increments
The government should not subject itself to any improper demands regarding financial increments. Moreover, the government must approve realistic salary increments that can be justified and offer generous living conditions for the citizens, Al-Anba daily quoted former Finance Minister Bader Al-Humaidhi as saying.
The best way to account a fair increment is based on inflation which we saw over the past five years. Accordingly, the increment should have been 35 percent of the basic salary in accordance with Law of 1992 which obligates the government to look into the salaries of citizens every three years, noted Al-Humaidhi.
He added the government has to take appropriate procedures to ease the workflow regardless of threats such as seeking the assistance of the army which one of the measures adopted by most democracies of the world.
In the same context, government sources disclosed the increments should include expatriates working in the government sector provided the employees were not included in any increment plan over the past period regardless of the specification.
The sources said KD 58 million have been earmarked for increments for the expatriate.
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