On May Day, pres hails 'historic' hike in civil service salaries

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said on Monday that the government's ongoing pay harmonisation initiative is the first time in the history of the Maldives that such a huge change has been made in the salaries of civil servants.

The president made the remarks in his written address on International Labour Day.

In his address, the president conveyed his best wishes and felicitation to all workers in Maldives and their families, as well as the groups and organisations that support them.

Shedding light on the initiatives taken over the last four years to ensure better working conditions and workers' rights, President Solih highlighted the introduction of a six-month paid maternity leave and a one-month paid paternity leave for the first time in Maldives.

He also noted the administration's establishment of a minimum wage along with the mandating of equal service fee distribution among workers in the tourism sector through a law.

The president remarked on the government's efforts to harmonise pay among employees in various sectors. He asserted that this is an effort to improve employee salaries and earnings, give them merit-based pay, and foster goodwill among workers.

President Solih also urged businesses in the private sector to protect their employees' legal and human rights.

He acknowledged that ensuring workers' rights is an ongoing effort and promised that the government will continue to work tirelessly to improve working conditions for all.