Salary Compensation: 'An Insufficient Amount' for Some Mauritians

Title: Salary Compensation: 'An Insufficient Amount' for Some Mauritians

The Minister of Commerce and Consumer Protection, Michaël Sik Yuen, asserts that the salary compensation set at Rs 635 represents the maximum effort the government could afford given the current economic context. This statement follows the official announcement of the salary compensation, a measure anticipated by many workers, yet it leaves a bitter taste among union movements.

While this announcement was supposed to provide some relief amidst rising living costs, several unions believe the amount provided is grossly insufficient. They criticize the application of a formula similar to that used last January, which they deem inadequate in light of the rising cost of living and persistent inflation. For these organizations, the announced increase does not reflect the daily realities faced by workers.

In response to the criticism, Minister Michaël Sik Yuen claims that the government has acted responsibly. According to him, the budgetary leeway remains limited due to economic constraints and the efforts already made to stabilize the prices of essential goods.

From the union's side, the reaction is intense. Haniff Peerun, president of the Mauritius Labour Congress (MLC), does not hide his anger. He believes that workers, who are also consumers, do not identify with this compensation. "The amount demanded was Rs 800. What has been announced does not reflect the reality on the ground," he asserts. He reminds that despite the injection of Rs 2 billion through the Price Stabilisation Fund, this mechanism has already been absorbed and has not sustainably curbed price increases.

For the trade unionist, the situation is concerning. "Life is becoming increasingly expensive, and Mauritians are struggling to make ends meet," he states, labeling the announced amount as an insult to workers who had hoped for a genuine improvement in their living conditions.

Returning to the argument of a difficult economic context, Haniff Peerun demands the publication of a new report on the state of the economy. He believes the government cannot continue to rely solely on old reports. "A year later, the people have the right to know the true state of the economy," he insists.

Finally, the president of the MLC laments the lack of consideration for workers and appeals to the Prime Minister for the adoption of targeted support measures for the most vulnerable. "There is great anger among the population. If nothing is done, we risk facing a real social crisis," he warns.

Between Resignation and Anger Over Rs 625

The announcement of the salary compensation scale set at Rs 625 has sparked strong reactions in the streets of Port-Louis. While some try to cope with the current economic reality, many express their dismay over an amount deemed insufficient to cope with rising living costs, especially during this end-of-year period.

Encountered in the capital, Senior Collet does not hide his disappointment. For him, the announced compensation falls far short of addressing workers' needs. "I expected more, even Rs 2,000 if we look at current prices. We do not see the government's effort through this decision," he confides. He emphasizes that while the amount may seem manageable for a single person, the situation becomes much more complex for families. "What about households with young children? It's hard to live," he adds.

A little further away, Fadil Chamroo shares the same observation but adopts a more resigned tone. According to him, the economic context imposes certain limits, even though the situation remains difficult for households. "What can we give? It’s never enough. Every day, we have to work without complaining too much. Prices have climbed like never before," he says. However, he still believes that the future should be marked by more humane measures, especially for the most vulnerable.

The anger is more pronounced in Lékha Garosurn, a woman in her forties, who thinks the government should have made a greater effort. "This amount is too little. Instead of helping us, it does not alleviate expenses," she laments. She mentions a daily life that has become more burdensome, where every purchase is carefully considered. "You have to think twice before buying a box of cheese or margarine. The household basket is suffering," she confides, calling for a more cautious approach to consumption.

For Juliana Coureur, the situation is even more concerning as some social allowances are about to expire. "The compensation is weak, and the support measures will soon come to an end. I wonder how some families will cope," she worries. She points out the persistent rise in the prices of milk and other essential products, estimating that this economic pressure could have psychological repercussions. "This could create a climate of tension within the population," she warns.

Between resignation, concern, and anger, these testimonies reflect a very real discomfort regarding a salary compensation deemed disconnected from the daily lives of many Mauritians.