APNU Demands 25% Wage Hike for Public Servants Amid Oil Boom

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has called on the government to grant public servants a minimum 25 per cent wage increase, warning that current proposals fail to reflect Guyana’s rapid economic growth and the widening income gap between government elites and ordinary workers.

The party made the announcement at a press conference on Friday, December 12, highlighting that public servants’ wages have not kept pace with rising living costs, despite surging revenues from the oil sector.

“Public Servants must get a minimum of 25% Wages/Salary Increase,” APNU said, arguing that the current disparity between political leaders and frontline workers is unsustainable. Using official figures from late 2024 and 2025, APNU pointed out that “The President earns approximately G$34,800,000 (G$2.9 million monthly). The Ministers and Leader of the Opposition earn approximately G$21,600,000 (G$1.8 million monthly), including benefits.”

By contrast, general public servants earn a minimum of $100,000 per month, or G$1.2 million annually. “What this means is that a Minister earns in one month more than what the average worker earns in a year. The President earns three times the wages and salaries of a public servant in one month.”

APNU argued that public servants have borne the brunt of rising costs of living while national wealth has increased: “Public servants carry the burden that while national wealth is rising, their purchasing power is collapsing.” Many of these workers are unionised, and under the Guyana Constitution and Labour Law, their unions have the right to engage in collective bargaining—a mechanism designed to ensure fair compensation.

The party tied the wage debate to Guyana’s booming oil sector, noting that government projections show total revenues reaching $1,024.5 billion in 2025, a 30.5 per cent increase over $784.6 billion in 2024. Despite this, workers are reportedly being offered only an 8 per cent increase in 2025.

APNU emphasised that public-sector wage increases are critical to restore purchasing power, stimulate the domestic economy, and retain skilled workers needed to manage the expanding oil sector. The party also noted that a 25 per cent increase would raise the public-sector wage bill from G$227 billion to G$283.75 billion, an amount it described as affordable.

Beyond wages, APNU highlighted the economic challenges facing young Guyanese, including rising costs of living, under-employment, and skills mismatches. “Many youths report that corruption, favoritism, and politically connected awards of contracts undermine government transparency,” the partnership said. Complaints were also raised about unreliable energy, delays in major development projects, and poor service delivery despite significant national revenues.

The party rejected claims that opportunities are being fairly distributed: “Some young people have been complaining to us that many lucrative opportunities are only advertised after PPP insiders are notified and identified to fill the slots. The public advertisement then becomes merely academic.”

“Our oil wealth has created expectations that have not translated into tangible individual prosperity. No Guyanese should be made to feel poorer while employed,” APNU said.

The party concluded by calling for urgent, evidence-based measures to ensure that economic growth delivers real benefits to public servants, youth, families, the elderly, and the most vulnerable in society.