A CALL for an urgent and comprehensive increase in the salaries of government employees has been made by a member of Parliament.
Jalal Kadhem Al Mahfoodh said that the rising cost of living and long-standing wage stagnation have severely eroded the purchasing power of Bahraini families.
He also noted that the last salary increase for civil servants took place almost 14 years ago, despite sweeping economic changes that have significantly impacted citizens’ living standards.
The proposal was presented to Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam yesterday.
However, the details have been left to negotiations between the government, represented by the Civil Service Commission, and Parliament’s services committee.
The wages of civil servants were raised up to 36.5 per cent in 2011 with BD200 million pumped for that year alone to cover the adjustment. The beneficiaries also included pensioners.
“It has been nearly 14 years since the last government salary increase,” said Mr Al Mahfoodh.
“During this period, VAT was introduced, inflation rose and the prices of essential goods and services climbed sharply, yet salaries have remained unchanged. This has exhausted Bahraini households and weakened their ability to cope with daily expenses.”
The MP explained that his proposal aims to ensure that civil service pay scales and grades are adjusted to reflect today’s economic realities and meet the growing needs of families.
“The cost of living has become a heavy burden that is breaking the backs of citizens,” he added.
“Correcting this imbalance cannot be delayed any longer. An urgent salary increase is now a necessity to guarantee a dignified standard of living and to help families meet their ever-growing financial and social obligations.”
According to Mr Al Mahfoodh, revising wage structures will not only relieve household pressures but also strengthen economic performance.
“Adjusting salary tables will bring about greater fairness among employees, enhance productivity and improve the quality of public services,” he said.
“It will also ensure that salaries keep pace with inflation and help ease the financial strain caused by rising prices.”
The legislator for Northern Governorate constituency two (Markh, Duraz and Bani Jamra) further highlighted the wider economic benefits of higher wages.
“A pay rise will have a direct positive impact on the national economy,” he explained.
“It will boost citizens’ purchasing power, stimulate local markets, increase consumption and strengthen commercial activity. In turn, this will help drive national economic growth and reduce social pressures caused by the gap between income and living costs.”
He stressed that the issue was about much more than numbers on a payslip.
“This is not just about fairness in the workplace,” he said.
“It is a fundamental pillar for reinforcing social stability, reducing the burden on families, and revitalising the economy. It reflects the state’s commitment to addressing the urgent needs of its people.”
He pledged that Parliament would continue pushing for measures to ease the economic strain on citizens and to legislate in favour of a better standard of living.
“Parliament will press ahead with efforts to improve the welfare of citizens,” said Mr Al Mahfoodh.
“We urge the government to act quickly, because the situation no longer allows for delay.
“The proposal comes as MPs continue to field increasing complaints from constituents about the rising cost of essential goods, housing and services, with many arguing that stagnant wages have left households struggling to keep up with inflation.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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