MP demands pay grade reform for public sector workers

TDT | Manama

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Stagnant salaries and limited pay grades risk dampening morale in the public sector, MP Hassan Ibrahim warned yesterday, as he urged changes to ensure workers continue receiving annual pay rises despite the raised retirement age. Hassan proposed increasing the number of pay ranks within each grade from 15 to 20, arguing that the current system leaves long-serving employees stuck without financial progress.

“It’s not right to expect workers to stay on the same salary for years on end, waiting endlessly for promotion,” he said. “The higher retirement age only worsens this situation, trapping employees in the same grade for longer than ever before.”

The MP described how many diligent employees, thanks to their consistent hard work and performance, have already reached the cap of their salary grades.

“These individuals are effectively being punished for their efforts,” he said. “It’s unfair that their dedication leads to career stagnation.”

Hassan stressed that without change, public sector employees risk losing their drive, which could affect productivity.

He emphasised the need to address salary stagnation, particularly now that careers in government roles are stretching further due to retirement age changes.

Pointing to government efforts to encourage creativity, Hassan commended initiatives such as the annual “Fikra Competition”, which seeks new ideas to improve public services.