Prime Minister Nawaf Salam chaired a meeting at the Grand Serail with Minister of Interior Ahmad Hajjar, Minister of Labor Mohammad Haidar, General Labor Confederation President Bechara Asmar, head of land transport unions Bassam Tlais, fuel distributors’ representative Fadi Abou Chacra, and several members of the labor confederation.
Minister Haidar explained that the meeting followed discussions held the night before at PM Salam’s residence, in the presence of ministers Yassine Jaber, Fayez Rasamny, and union representatives.
Discussions focused on revising public sector salary increases, approved in the May 29 cabinet session for military personnel, to ensure broader coverage, particularly for civil servants, and to involve union representatives in committee discussions. The goal, he said, is to finance increases through higher customs revenues and maritime property taxes.
On transport, Haidar noted an agreement to either support or exempt the sector from certain fuel-related fees, with the Ministry of Finance studying implementation mechanisms. He also announced that the Interior Ministry will begin enforcing traffic law measures through security agencies, with an executive meeting to be held shortly to coordinate efforts.
In turn, Bechara Asmar welcomed the reevaluation of salary increases, particularly their extension to retired civil servants. He stressed the need to tap neglected revenue sources like maritime property and customs, and praised the involvement of the Minister of Public Works. Asmar thanked President Joseph Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri for supporting dialogue to avoid disruptive protests during Lebanon’s tourism season.
Bassam Tlais echoed these views, affirming the need for immediate implementation. He highlighted issues affecting the transport sector, from customs duties on fuel to the enforcement of traffic laws. Tlais announced the suspension of planned protests in light of agreements reached, but stressed that follow-up meetings would ensure accountability.
All parties committed to continued coordination, aiming for broader social stability and support for Lebanon’s strained public sector.
Minister Haidar explained that the meeting followed discussions held the night before at PM Salam’s residence, in the presence of ministers Yassine Jaber, Fayez Rasamny, and union representatives.
Discussions focused on revising public sector salary increases, approved in the May 29 cabinet session for military personnel, to ensure broader coverage, particularly for civil servants, and to involve union representatives in committee discussions. The goal, he said, is to finance increases through higher customs revenues and maritime property taxes.
On transport, Haidar noted an agreement to either support or exempt the sector from certain fuel-related fees, with the Ministry of Finance studying implementation mechanisms. He also announced that the Interior Ministry will begin enforcing traffic law measures through security agencies, with an executive meeting to be held shortly to coordinate efforts.
In turn, Bechara Asmar welcomed the reevaluation of salary increases, particularly their extension to retired civil servants. He stressed the need to tap neglected revenue sources like maritime property and customs, and praised the involvement of the Minister of Public Works. Asmar thanked President Joseph Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri for supporting dialogue to avoid disruptive protests during Lebanon’s tourism season.
Bassam Tlais echoed these views, affirming the need for immediate implementation. He highlighted issues affecting the transport sector, from customs duties on fuel to the enforcement of traffic laws. Tlais announced the suspension of planned protests in light of agreements reached, but stressed that follow-up meetings would ensure accountability.
All parties committed to continued coordination, aiming for broader social stability and support for Lebanon’s strained public sector.
