Pre-Budget consultations: Trade unions outline key proposals ahead of 2026–2027 Budget

The Junior Minister of Finance, Mr Dhaneshwar Damry, chaired, today in Port Louis, a pre-budget consultative meeting with representatives of various trade union confederations, during which a range of socio-economic and environmental issues were raised.

In a statement following the meeting, Mr Sanjay Sembhoo, representing the Confederation of General Trade Unions, indicated that proposals were put forward to address excessive pesticide use, plastic pollution, and the need to strengthen measures against mismanagement of public funds.

For his part, Mr Deepak Benydin from the Congress of Independent Trade Unions, underlined the exceptional global context marked by the Middle East crisis and rising costs of food, petrol and gas. He stressed that further increases in the prices of basic commodities would be unsustainable, particularly for those earning between Rs 25,000 and Rs 30,000 monthly.

Mr Benydin also advocated for the reinstatement of the Basic Retirement Pension at the age of 60, while highlighting concerns over emigration and the need for incentives to encourage Mauritians to return to the country. He further called for the establishment of a Trade Union House for training purposes, and addressed issues relating to food safety, housing, and the provision of quality healthcare services, while emphasising the importance of renewable energy in tackling pollution.

As for Mr Ramesh Ramnarain from the Mauritius Trade Union Congress, he pointed to a decline in the number of Public Officers and called for measures to fill vacant posts. He also stressed the need to ensure timely payment of overtime, particularly for workers in the health sector.

06 May 2026

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Topics: Finance, Trade Unions