The Coalition of Public Employees (COLEPE) has expressed little surprise over the government’s decision to grant public servants a 2% salary increment, calling it an expected move that does not address their long-standing grievances.
COLEPE, an alliance of various public sector organizations, includes the Lesotho Police Staff Association (LEPOSA), Lesotho Public Service Staff Association (LEPSSA), Lesotho Association of Teachers (LAT), Lesotho Teachers Trade Union (LTTU), Lesotho Schools Principal Association (LESPA), Qiloane Nursing Assistants Association (QINUASA), and the Lesotho Nurses Association (LNA).
Speaking in an interview on Thursday, COLEPE Representative Mr. Letsatsi Ntsibolane stated that the increment comes as no shock to them, highlighting that the government has consistently refused to engage in meaningful negotiations regarding salary adjustments.
“For the longest time, the government has avoided meeting with us, even after we engaged the Directorate of Dispute Prevention and Resolution (DDPR) to intervene,” Ntsibolane remarked.
He criticized the government’s failure to address the concerns of public servants, noting that the minimal increase does little to improve their financial struggles, especially given the rising cost of living.
Government’s Failure to Engage
COLEPE has repeatedly called for salary adjustments that reflect the economic realities faced by public employees, but their appeals have largely gone unanswered. The coalition has accused the government of disregarding their concerns, opting instead for unilateral decisions that fail to consider the hardships of workers.
The 2% increment, which many public servants deem insufficient, has further fueled dissatisfaction among employees who argue that it does not align with inflation and increased living expenses.
Mounting Frustration Among Public Servants
The lack of meaningful dialogue between the government and public employees has led to growing frustration, with some unions warning that continued neglect of their demands could result in industrial action.
COLEPE maintains that fair wages and better working conditions are necessary to improve the quality of public services in the country. They have vowed to continue advocating for better pay and working conditions, urging the government to engage in genuine negotiations to find lasting solutions.
As tensions persist, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the mounting pressure from public employees who feel undervalued and unheard.
