The statement could appear ironical if it had not been taken very seriously by its author. “It is completely irresponsible on their part,” complained trade unionist Yousuf Sooklall, president of the Free Democratic Unions Federation, referring to the government’s proposal as salary compensation. In view of the harsh economic context in which the minister of Finance, Rama Sithanen, is preparing his budget, a higher compensation would actually be most irresponsible. But trade unionists must be saying to themselves they are there to fight for workers’ rights… at any cost!

Probably for the first time since it came into power, the government is speaking the truth to the population. After a few months of special treats and political speeches, the minister of Finance has succeeded where his colleagues have really failed. He clearly explained during the tripartite negotiations that the country could no longer afford ‘presents’ and that all members had to show solidarity and make a few sacrifices.

Evidently, the Rs 135 compensation he has proposed to trade unionists was of course very far from the Rs 700 initially asked by the latter. But with transparent explanations like the ones he gave during his press conference, Rama Sithanen must have managed to make the public aware of the emergency of the situation. The state will disburse Rs 1,4 billion for this compensation and the minister is adamant that the government is not in a position to make a better proposal.

The state of public finances and the difficulties in the sugar and textile industries are undeniably reasons for more austerity. The government has to show the way to the population so that the situation can get back on the rails in the coming years. This is the only way of guaranteeing the survival of a prosperous Mauritius for future generations.

But, despite all explanation by the minister, trade unionists have decided to turn a deaf ear to his proposals. As Rama Sithanen gave the amount of the compensation and as they realised they would not be able to obtain more from him, they walked out of Vaghjee Hall.

Even though Rama Sithanen had been preparing the ground since the beginning of the negotiations by speaking of “discipline” and “patriotism”, it seems as if the trade unions did not get the message. “It is the most retrograde proposal that has been made during tripartite negotiations,” was the sole reaction of spokesperson Ashok Subron.

Even when the minister proposed to implement negotiations separately in all sectors, the unionists found fault with it. “There are industries, such as tourism or financial services, that can make an extra effort. Even in sectors facing difficulties, there are profitable companies that are in a position to grant a higher compensation,” explained the minister. But the trade unionists do not listen to the words of wisdom and have closed the door to any higher compensation for any member of the population. For them, it’s all or nothing, insisting on the alternative of Rs 392 that was immediately rejected. They will be taking to the streets at the end of the month to show their dissatisfaction with the government’s attitude.

<I>“Despite all explaination by the minister, trade unionists have decided to turn a deaf ear to his proposals. As they realised they would not be able to obtain more, they walked out of Vaghjee Hall.»</I>

Next year, the “National Wage Council” will replace the traditional tripartite negotiations for more fairness. Each sector will gather and decide on the compensation to be granted to their employees. The government will establish a minimum rate for salary compensation but its overall role remains to be defined.

If the Mauritius Employers’ Federation (MEF) agrees with the formula, they were however as dissatisfied with the compensation rate as trade unionists… but for different reasons. The employers believed the amount was far too high especially in sectors like sugar or textile. “They can’t afford to pay such compensation. The free zone has already lost more than 25,000 jobs. Sugar will face a 36% drop in receipts within the next four years. This will lead to a huge loss of earnings,” warned the MEF president, Mookeshwarsing Gopal. Hence, the proposal of negotiations by sector was fully accepted by the MEF but the unionists’ reluctance has prevented the project from moving forward.

Unionists believe the authorities have failed in their promise to be a “caring government”. At first sight, the decision could appear unfair for workers who expected more than a mere Rs 135 increase. But the latter must have understood that it is the only way of ensuring a better tomorrow for them and their children. Not like the highly responsible trade unionists of the country – their defenders!