GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC -The Guyana government Tuesday said it has signed a two-year agreement with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) that will result in significant salary increases and improved allowances for public servants.
The agreement’s announcement comes hours after President Irfaan Ali announced a 10 percent retroactive salary increase for all public servants and that people with academic qualifications would also benefit financially as of January next year.
Ali, speaking at a breakfast with officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), said that public servants will also receive an eight percent increase in salaries in 2025 and that these new wage packages follow talks with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU).
A government statement said that under the agreement, public servants will receive the retroactive 1 percent salary increase effective January 1, 2024. This adjustment builds on the Government’s consistent efforts over the years, resulting in a cumulative 35 percent salary increase over the past four years.
Additionally, public servants will receive a further eight percent salary increase in 2025, raising the cumulative increase to an even higher threshold and demonstrating the Government’s unwavering dedication to enhancing the financial well-being of public servants.
The Government also announced that earlier on Tuesday, the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) signed a three-year agreement providing for 10 percent salary increases in 2024, eight percent next year, and nine percent in 2025 and 2026.
The statement said public servants in Grades 1 to 6 with a minimum of four years of service will be moved to the midpoint of their current scale, resulting in salary increases of up to 13 percent for some employees. Those with a minimum of eight years of service within Grades 1 to 6 will be moved to the maximum of their scale, leading to salary increases of up to 26 percent.
Additionally, public servants in Grades 7 to 8 with at least four years of service in their current scale will be eligible for an additional monthly amount equivalent to the nominal difference between the minimum and midpoint of Grade 6, providing increases of up to 11 percent.
The statement said the Government is also introducing qualification allowances to incentivize education and professional development, effective January 1, 2025. Holders of ACCA qualifications will receive an additional GUY$15,000 (One Guyana dollar = 0.004 cents) monthly, while individuals with master’s and doctoral degrees will receive GUY$22,000 and GUY$32,000 monthly, respectively.
“To further improve working conditions and support public servants, several additional measures have been approved. Uniform allowances for eligible health workers will increase by 5,000 annually, and public servants will see a $10,000 increase, resulting in an overall increase of up to 77 percent,” the statement said.
It said public servants transferred to hinterland locations will receive a housing allowance of GUY$35,000 monthly, and those serving in riverine and hinterland areas will benefit from a station allowance of GUY$8,000 monthly, representing an increase of up to 300 percent.
Risk allowances will increase by 50 percent, while motorcar and travel allowances will see a significant 104 percent increase. Furthermore, the Government will grant 100 duty-free concessions annually for staff nurses and above, prioritizing long-serving personnel who have not previously benefited from such concessions.
“The Government will also continue to award scholarships to public servants, reaffirming its commitment to education and the professional development of its workforce.
“The Government thanks the leadership of the GPSU, GTU, UGWU, UGSSA, and all stakeholders for their constructive engagement and cooperation throughout the negotiation process. Further, the Government expresses its gratitude to all public servants for their service and looks forward to continued collaboration in achieving the nation’s development goals,” the statement added.
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