The Egyptian government will announce a maximum wage for all administrative workers in the next month, said Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawy. Workers in ministries, banks, departments and companies belonging to the government will be included, said Beblawy. During the first meeting of the committee that will put a maximum wage for government workers, Beblawy said the government will amend the state's labor laws concerning maximum wages in the government, local units and departments. The government is keen to reform the wage system quickly and it does not want to wait until deep studies are held because they could take up to a year, which is too much time, Beblawy said. He also said that the government will review the maximum and minimum wages periodically to ensure they suit the variable economic circumstances. Beblawy said the government will determine maximum wages as a temporary procedure until the necessary information and studies are available to determine a fair wage structure, which is not available at present. The determination of maximum and minimum wages will take into account important regulations that suit international acts, said Beblawy. He added that the government aims to achieve justice and balance in the Egyptian society's incomes so they reflect the actual productivity of the Egyptian worker. Beblawy expressed his confidence that every Egyptian will cooperate with the government and commit to the maximum wage, and that others will willingly give up their high salaries for the sake of Egypt and to help the Egyptian economy pass its current obstacles. Reforming the wage structure cannot be taken in just one action, Beblawy said. There is a huge lack of information to ensure unemployment won't escalate because of high wages and that minimum wages will not be a reason for the transfer of minds and experts from public to private sectors, he added. Beblawy said the government cannot determine a maximum wage for the private sector. The private sector should use the best elements to increase its competence and ability to develop, as it is considered the development trailer for the Egyptian economy. Regarding consultants who work for the government and receive awards that exceed the maximum wage, Beblawy said their contracts will not exceed 8 month periods, and that this period is long enough to solve any dispute facing the concerned ministry or department.
