Tension in Public Sector as Workers Push for Salary Adjustments Ahead of 2026 Budget Talks
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Tension is building across the public sector as workers intensify demands for salary adjustments ahead of the 2026 national budget discussions. Several unions say rising living costs, transportation fares, and market prices have eroded their earnings, making immediate wage reviews unavoidable.
Leaders from major public sector unions including health, education, and civil service groups insist that government must prioritise realistic compensation in the upcoming budget to prevent further economic hardship among workers. Some unions have already begun internal mobilisations, warning that they may resort to industrial action if negotiations do not yield satisfactory results.
According to labour representatives, the current salary structure no longer reflects inflationary pressures, which have pushed many public sector employees into financial strain. They argue that without meaningful increases, productivity and morale will continue to decline.
Government officials have acknowledged concerns from labour but say negotiations will be guided by available fiscal space and the need to maintain economic stability. Early engagements are expected to begin in the coming weeks as both sides prepare for a critical round of talks that could shape the labour environment heading into 2026.
The coming weeks will be crucial, as workers look to see whether government’s commitments in the 2026 Budget will meet their expectations or trigger a new wave of industrial actions.