“No public sector salary increase"

Finance Minister Diana Dragutinovic stated on Monday evening that EPS workers and others in the public sector should not expect an increase of salaries in 2010. In a statement for the state broadcaster RTS, Dragutinovic said that she will not give a positive assessment of the request for the increase of salaries in public enterprises and to all other budget users. “No public sector salary increase" She pointed out that the government will be tempted as it is difficult to maintain frozen salaries for two years, adding that "this is not easy, but it will be a test for the government." "The government's position was that the state should carry the burden of adjustment, which means that all those who depend on the budget or work in the public sector must carry that burden, and one does not do that by increasing salaries," Dragutinovic said.

“No public sector salary increase"

She pointed out that the government will be tempted as it is difficult to maintain frozen salaries for two years, adding that "this is not easy, but it will be a test for the government."

"The government's position was that the state should carry the burden of adjustment, which means that all those who depend on the budget or work in the public sector must carry that burden, and one does not do that by increasing salaries," Dragutinović said.