On Sunday, the National Council of Wages announced a decision to increase the minimum wage for private sector workers to EGP 6,000, effective from May onwards.
Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Hala El-Said, underscored the government’s commitment to safeguarding workers and ensuring a dignified livelihood for them, particularly amidst recent shifts in both domestic and international economic landscapes.
El-Said further highlighted the government’s dedication to striking a balance between the interests of employers and employees to propel the nation’s progress forward.
This latest increment marks the fifth wage raise within a span of two years. The most recent adjustment occurred in January, elevating the minimum wage from EGP 3,000 to EGP 3,500.
In a series of increments, the minimum wage for private sector workers saw a steady rise, starting at EGP 2,400 in January 2022, followed by EGP 2,700 in January 2023, and reaching EGP 3,000 in July 2023.
The newly adjusted minimum wage encompasses all wage components, encompassing the employer’s share in insurance contributions.
However, businesses with fewer than 10 employees will be exempted from this latest increase.
Additionally, the decision grants a three-month window for lodging complaints and grievances, with a designated Complaints Committee chaired by the labor minister overseeing the resolution process.
Minister of Labour, Hassan Shafie, underscored the government’s commitment to fostering an optimal work environment conducive to the well-being of workers, ultimately benefiting employers and bolstering productivity. Shafie emphasised that the country’s labor directorates will diligently oversee the implementation of the newly established wage structure.
Furthermore, the labor minister affirmed that this decision aligns seamlessly with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi’s directives, emphasising the imperative of providing enhanced care, protection, and support for workers—revered as the “soldiers of production.”
President El-Sisi’s unwavering commitment to fortifying labor relations between employers and workers is evident, with his instructions in February urging the government to swiftly enact several urgent social measures aimed at alleviating the burden of living expenses on citizens.
These measures include not only raising minimum wages for all government workers but also initiating a rise in pensions, set to take effect in March.
This proactive approach reflects the government’s steadfast dedication to promoting social welfare and fostering a more equitable society for all.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: At least 20 killed in paramilitary assault on village in Sudan