Gov’t promises salary increase in 2019 and ‘something bigger’ in 2020

“We will be paying a salary increase in 2019 and a bigger salary increase in 2020.”

That was the assurance given by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan on Wednesday when asked what public servants can expect from the Government.

While the Government will not be able to present another national budget unless it is re-elected to office at the next regional and general elections, Jordan said negotiations are ongoing with the two major unions – the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) – to ensure that this is possible.

As such, the Finance Minister said he is unable to give a percentage of what the increase will be.

However, the Minister said “even if there is deadlock or no agreement, something interim will be paid.”

In November 2018, the Ministry of Finance approved 7% salary increases for persons working up to $100,000 per month, 6.5% for those working between $100,000 and $299,000 per month and 5% for those working for between $300,000 and $499,000 per month.