Libyan economist Atia al-Fitouri has expressed concerns over the unified salary scale decision made by the outgoing Government of National Unity. The decision, issued on October 6, 2026, has been criticized for its potential legal flaws and contradictions. Al-Fitouri noted that the decision's fourth article states that it will be presented to the Council of Ministers for approval, suggesting that it is still a draft and open to modifications.
Al-Fitouri questioned the consistency of the decision with its own timeline, as the fifth article states that the decision will take effect from its issuance date, despite not having been fully approved by the Council of Ministers. This has raised concerns about the legitimacy and enforceability of the decision. The economist also pointed out that the decision to unify salaries has sparked debate about its implications on the country's financial and economic stability.
The decision to unify salaries has also raised concerns about the abolition of financial allowances and benefits. According to al-Fitouri, the third article of the decision cancels previous decisions and regulations related to salary scales, including distinction allowances and benefits. This has led to questions about the authority of administrative decisions to abolish rights and benefits enshrined in legal texts.
Al-Fitouri cited Article 142 of the Labor Relations Law No. 12 of 2010, which states that employees have the right to the rights and benefits prescribed by law and regulations, and that these rights cannot be reduced or withdrawn except by law. He argued that the current salary scales and modifications were issued based on laws No. 18 and No. 34 of 2023, which are applications of Article 142 of the Labor Relations Law.
Al-Fitouri described the decision as unacceptable to those who will be affected by it, calling on the government to prepare a comprehensive law on salaries and job benefits and present it to the House of Representatives for approval or modification. The economist's concerns have sparked a national debate about the implications of the unified salary scale on the country's economy and public sector employees.
The Government of National Unity had announced the adoption of a unified salary scale, which includes a 10% increase compared to the previous scale. The government also tasked the Ministry of Finance with preparing a proposal on distinction allowances and their eligibility criteria, to be presented to the Council of Ministers. The unified salary scale decision aims to standardize salaries and benefits across the public sector.
The controversy surrounding the unified salary scale decision highlights the challenges facing Libya's economic and financial sectors. The country's economic stability and public sector employees' benefits will likely be affected by the outcome of this debate. The government and relevant authorities will need to address the concerns raised by al-Fitouri and other stakeholders to ensure a fair and equitable solution.
Key points
- Libyan economist Atia al-Fitouri criticizes the unified salary scale decision for its potential legal flaws and contradictions.
