Public sector salaries frozen: Government ignores pressure and blocks raises amid cost-of-living crisis

The Government has decided to keep the minimum wages in the Public Administration unchanged, at a time when there is a growing clamor from state agents and employees for an urgent review, given the worsening cost of living in the country.

The decision was made during the 11th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers, held the day before yesterday, where the Executive reviewed and approved the proposal to adjust the national minimum wages, within the framework of tripartite negotiations between workers, employers and the Government itself.

Despite progress in several sectors, the civil service and the capenta fishing sector were left out of any salary increase due to a lack of consensus. Government spokesperson Inocêncio Impissa justified the decision by citing the persistent economic difficulties affecting these areas.

In the specific case of capenta fishing, the Executive pointed to the limited operational capacity of the Cahora Bassa reservoir as one of the main obstacles to the sector's performance, thus limiting any possibility of a wage increase.

Nevertheless, the Government argues that the approved adjustments, which range between 3% and 9%, represent "the best possible balance" given the current economic situation. Among the criteria considered are productivity, the financial health of the sectors, the need to preserve formal jobs, and the ability of employers to honor their salary commitments.

The construction sector recorded the smallest increase, at 3%, while the hotel industry leads with an increase of approximately 9.8%.

The Executive emphasizes that wage improvements will be gradual and dependent on economic growth, increased productivity, and strengthened investment. It also reaffirms its commitment to continue dialogue with social partners within the Labor Advisory Committee, with a view to ensuring sustainable solutions that improve the living conditions of Mozambican workers.