Minority rejects 9% public sector pay rise, demands immediate review

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has criticised the 9% salary increase agreed for public sector workers in 2027, describing it as inadequate and disconnected from the rising cost of living.

In a press statement dated October 30, 2026, the caucus said the newly signed multi-year public service remuneration agreement failed to protect workers’ purchasing power amid increasing utility tariffs, transport fares, rent and other household expenses.

Under the agreement finalised on October 28, public sector workers will receive an 8% base pay increase and a 1% adjustment in conditions of service for 2027, followed by a 10% increase in 2028.

The Minority argued that the proposed adjustments were insufficient, particularly as workers had received salary increases of 10% in 2025 and 9% in 2026.

It cited electricity tariff increases, which it said had pushed costs approximately 29% higher than their levels at the beginning of 2025.

Water tariffs, transport fares and cooking gas prices were also highlighted as additional financial pressures on households.

The caucus further questioned the role of organised labour leaders in the negotiations, expressing concern that workers’ interests may not have been adequately represented in the two-year agreement.

It has called for an immediate reconvening of the Public Services Joint Standing Negotiating Committee to review the remuneration framework and establish a wage adjustment that reflects the actual cost of living.

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