President hails pay harmonization initiative as ‘biggest’ change to civil service pay

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has described his administration’s pay harmonization initiative as the “biggest” change to the pay of civil servants in the country’s history.

He made the remark in an address on Monday morning, on occasion of International Labor Day.

In his address, the president described the administration’s efforts to harmonize pay among civil servants in various sectors as his administration’s most important initiative in order to protect the rights of workers.

He said the initiative was rolled out to improve civil servant’s salaries and earnings, give them merit-based pay, and foster goodwill among workers.

“I acknowledge there is still much to be done to protect the rights of workers. I assure the beloved Maldivian people that the government remains committed to getting it done,” he said.

President Solih said his administration’s efforts to guarantee rights to workers is based on a policy that is free of any and all forms of discrimination.

He acknowledged the contribution of both local and foreign workers in the development of the country.

Highlighting on the initiatives taken over the last four years to ensure better working conditions and workers' rights, President Solih talked about the introduction of a six-month paid maternity leave and a one-month paid paternity leave in 2019. 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.

He urged businesses in the private sector to protect the legal and human rights of their employees.

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