Kanaan: Nothing prevents passing the pay scale on Thursday

The head of the parliamentary finance and budget committee MP Ibrahim Kanaan declared that Wednesday’s discussions over the series of ranks and salaries were related to the six ranks to be granted to the teachers and the proportional wage increase to military personnel.

During a joint press conference held with Education Minister Elias Bou Saab at Parliament, Kanaan stressed that the door remains open for negotiations over issues related to revenues and the Value Added Tax (VAT), pointing out that “nothing prevents passing the pay scale tomorrow (Thursday).”

“The cost of the pay scale reached around 2 trillion LBP,” he added.For his part, Education Minister Elias Bou Saab said that he objects granting the teachers a three rank upgrade, while there is a possibility to grant 6 ranks, stating that Speaker Nabih Berri showed flexibility during the discussions.

In turn, the head of the Future bloc Fouad Siniora noted that all the items of the pay scale remain under discussion, pointing out however that the draft law may not be passed during Thursday’s session.

Former PM Najib Mikati's cabinet endorsed the new salary scale for public employees in 2012, ending a long dispute that had triggered several sit-ins and strikes held by the Union Coordinating Committee.

Former President Michel Sleiman signed the decree mid-June 2013 and it was referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committees for further examination, however the law was never passed, leading the UCC to resume its movements in a bid to exert pressure on the authorities to pass the law.