The debate over Libya's unified salary scale has brought to the forefront questions about the legitimacy of executive decisions and the protection of employees' financial rights. The issue has become a contentious topic, with some arguing that a unified scale is necessary to address the significant distortions in the current wage system. However, others are concerned that the proposed changes could lead to a reduction in benefits and allowances for some employees.
According to Dr. Helmi Al-Qamati, an economist and head of the Economics Department at the University of Benghazi, a unified salary scale is a necessary step to address the distortions in the current system. However, he emphasizes that this reform should be carried out within a legal framework and not through administrative decisions that could undermine employees' rights. Al-Qamati's comments come in response to a recent decision by the Prime Minister, numbered 474 of 2026, which has raised several questions about its legal basis and implications.
One of the key concerns raised by Al-Qamati is that the decision to unify the salary scale was made without proper legal backing. He points out that the decision's fourth article stipulates that it will be presented to the Council of Ministers for approval, while the fifth article states that it will come into effect as of its publication date on October 6. This, according to Al-Qamati, creates a paradox that needs to be addressed.
The decision has also sparked concerns about the potential impact on employees' benefits and allowances. Al-Qamati notes that the third article of the decision cancels previous decisions and regulations related to salary scales, including allowances and financial benefits. He argues that an administrative decision cannot unilaterally cancel or reduce benefits that have been established by law.
Al-Qamati suggests that if there is a genuine need to review salaries, benefits, and allowances due to economic and financial circumstances, a comprehensive draft law should be prepared and submitted to the legislative authority for discussion and approval. He believes that this approach would provide a more stable and sustainable solution, rather than relying on executive decisions that may be subject to legal challenges.
The controversy surrounding the unified salary scale highlights the challenges of managing Libya's public finances and the need for a clear and comprehensive approach to addressing these issues. Al-Qamati emphasizes that any reform should prioritize fairness, transparency, and adherence to the law, ensuring that the rights of all employees are protected.
Ultimately, the debate over Libya's unified salary scale underscores the importance of balancing the need for financial reform with the need to protect employees' rights and ensure that any changes are made within a clear and stable legal framework. Key points include the need for a unified salary scale, concerns over the decision's legal basis, and the potential impact on employees' benefits and allowances.
Key points
- Libya's proposed unified salary scale has sparked debate over its necessity and the legal authority behind it.
- The decision to unify the salary scale was made without proper legal backing.
- The proposed changes could lead to a reduction in benefits and allowances for some employees.
