PM Mikati calls on the UCC to end its strike

 
Prime Minister Najib Mikati hoped on Saturday that the Union Coordinating Committee would end its strike and give the government enough time to study the file of the series of ranks and salaries.    

In this context, Mikati said that the government is studying the implications of the pay scale on the economy and the private sector and mentioned that it will study its referral to the parliament on the 21st of March.                      

Following his meeting with the UCC, PM Mikati said that he briefed the UCC on the Lebanese economic situation and added that “some economic issues cannot be overlooked”.                      

For his part, Hanna Gharib said that the UCC will not refrain from its open-ended strike on Monday.         

Earlier, Head of Lebanese Bank Association Employees Georges Hajj said that the UCC has rights and demands; pointing out that the Lebanese State is expected to ensure funding sources for the series of ranks and salaries.                        

In a protest held outside the Vehicle Service Registration Office in Dekwaneh, Hajj said that the Lebanese Bank Association Employees will join the UCC in its movements.                                                        

For his part, the Head of the Secondary Teachers Union Hanna Gharib called on all unions to follow the step of the Lebanese Bank Association and abide by the strike and asked the government to refer the series of ranks and salaries to the Parliament.                                          

Gharib addressed Prime Minister Najib Mikati by saying that the strike will end when authorities refer the pay scale to the parliament.                                                              
Gharib added that a demonstration will take place on Monday in front the Ministry of Industry in the Adlieh region and stressed that it will be a “general and comprehensive strike.”                              

Earlier, members of the UCC along with teachers and employees gathered in front the entrance of the Vehicle Service Registration Office in Dekwaneh disrupting the work of other employees.                             

The UCC’s strike was accompanied with intense security measures implemented by ISF members.