Economic bodies: wage increase decision unfair in Lebanon

The Economic Bodies said the recent decision pertaining to wages increase decision is unfair. The Economic Bodies convened on Wednesday afternoon at the Trade, Industry and Agriculture Chamber of Beirut and Mount Lebanon, under the chairmanship of former Minister Adnan Qassar. The meeting criticized recent governmental decision related to increasing the minimum wage of employees in the public and private sectors, saying it embodied negative features. "The wage increase decision project is unfair and does not take into consideration the worries shown by the bodies during their meeting with Lebanese President Michel Sleiman, Prime Minister Najib Mikati and House Speaker Nabih Berri," said the statement issued by the bodies in the wake of the meeting. "The decision does not even take into regards the number issued by the Central Statistic Department in connection with the inflation rate since the latest wage increase in 2008, knowing that this number is solely scientific and right and should be the basis for any likely increase," the statement added.