As one of the biggest decision to be taken by the President, Dr. Morsi, ordered in his first cabinet meeting the increase in salaries of government workers by 15%. In Addition to the increase of social welfare a whole 100LE from 200LE to 300LE per month. The later effect over 1.5 million citizens. Sound good, free money. But the question is, where will this money come from?
The 15% increase will effect millions of government workers. Ranging those whose salaries are 400LE per month to those whose salaries range in the tens of thousands. But is that necessary? Should it effect everyone? Also, what about workers in the private sector? They don't benefit from this increase. Even if their salaries are in the same range as government workers. Where is the social justice that the revolution called for?
The increase also puts a burdon on the government budget that is already strained. When asked where the money will come from. The answer was, loans. REALLY?! Do we not learn from history? I could think other things to be done with the money that are more impactful. Why not use the money to improve healthcare that effects tens of millions of Egyptians? Why not use it to improve public services? Clean the streets? Things that effect the quality of life of all egyptians? Not just government workers.
The 15% reminds me of the old saying, "give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a life time" . Why are we giving away fish? Do you think the merchants will not see the increase in salaries and in turn increase the prices of goods. That happens with every previous salary increase. So basically we are back to square one.
Dr. Morsi, your decision in this regard is highly flawed. A better decision was to apply a minimum wage across the board, public and private. A move that will at least help those who need help. Dr. Morsi tread carefully, murky waters lay ahead.
-Amro
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