Parliamentary Committee Recommends Salary Grade Expansion for Public Sector Employees

TDT | Manama

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The Financial and Economic Affairs Committee of Bahrain’s Council of Representatives has recommended the approval of a parliamentary proposal to increase the number of salary grades within each job level for public sector employees. This adjustment aims to ensure the continuation of annual salary increments in light of the extended retirement age.

The proposal suggests amending pay scales across all government ministries to align with the increase in retirement age. This would guarantee uninterrupted annual salary increases for employees, fostering improved productivity and competitiveness in the public sector.

In response, the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) indicated that setting salaries and benefits is determined by the Prime Minister’s decision based on CSB recommendations. The Bureau emphasized the need for a comprehensive study to calculate the additional costs this proposal would impose on the state budget. It also pointed out the government’s ongoing fiscal balance program, which aims to reduce public spending.

The CSB highlighted several potential impacts of the proposal, including:

Increasing the number of pay grades in existing salary scales.

Raising costs related to wages and allowances tied to basic salaries, such as overtime pay, acting allowances, and other benefits.
Influencing the calculation of pension contributions, which are based on employees’ basic salaries.

The Bureau noted that Article 10 of the Civil Service Law’s executive regulations specifies salary determination procedures for civil servants. Newly hired employees are entitled to the starting salary of their grade, with flexibility for higher starting pay for candidates with exceptional qualifications or expertise, subject to CSB approval.

Additionally, the regulations allow the CSB to assign special pay scales for certain positions based on qualifications, skills, or market demand. This flexibility aims to attract and retain highly skilled personnel in critical fields.

The CSB underlined the importance of achieving job satisfaction among civil servants through salaries, allowances, and other benefits. These measures are designed to motivate employees and enhance their performance while aligning with strategic organizational goals.

Prime Ministerial Decision No. 77 of 2013, which outlines salary and benefits regulations, was also highlighted. It includes detailed salary scales for various job categories, such as general administrative, specialist, judicial, and diplomatic positions. The decision also specifies annual increments based on employees' performance and behavior, ensuring fairness and competitiveness.

The CSB further noted that the regulations provide allowances to improve living standards, ranging from BHD 85 to BHD 100 monthly for eligible employees. Incentive bonuses tied to performance are also included to maximize resource efficiency and foster a competitive and equitable work environment.

The proposal reflects a broader effort to support public sector employees while maintaining fiscal responsibility and strategic alignment with national development goals.