9% public sector salary increase for 2027 an insult to workers — Minority

The Minority Caucus on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions in Parliament has rejected the proposed public sector salary adjustments for 2027 and 2028, describing the 9% increase scheduled for next year as an insult to workers struggling with rising living costs.

In a statement dated October 30, 2026, the caucus criticised the newly signed Multi-Year Public Service Remuneration Agreement, which was concluded on October 28, arguing that the proposed adjustments would further weaken workers’ purchasing power.

Under the agreement, public sector employees are expected to receive an 8% increase in base pay and an additional 1% adjustment in conditions of service for 2027, bringing the overall increase to 9%. A 10% salary adjustment has been proposed for 2028.

The Minority described the increases as inadequate, particularly in view of the rising cost of living and the increases in utility tariffs recorded over the past two years.

It pointed out that public sector workers received salary adjustments of 10% in 2025 and 9% in 2026 but argued that the increases had failed to match cumulative inflation, leaving workers with diminished purchasing power.

Read full statement below: