Syrian MP demands linking salaries to US dollar
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Member of the Syrian People’s Assembly, Abdurrahman al-Khatib, demanded the Syrian government to pay salaries of government employees according to the exchange rate of the US dollar, local media outlets and social media reported on Saturday.
On Saturday, the exchange rate of Syrian lira recorded 3,460 against the US dollar.
The outlets cited al-Khatib, as saying, “Prices of foodstuff in Syria must be linked to salary scale given to employees because people got exhausted.”
“All justifications released by ministers of the government have becomes worthless since people currently are concerned about how to secure their basics and live in dignity,” al-Khatib added.
Previously, the member of the People’s Assembly, Ahmad Saleh, has revealed that the current salaries violate the second paragraph of Article 40 of Syrian constitution that stipulates: “Each worker shall have a fair wage according to the quality and output of the work; this wage shall be no less than the minimum wage that ensures the requirements of living and changes in living conditions.”
On October 28, UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths, said in a briefing, “Over 90 % of the population now live below the poverty line.”
“Many people are forced to make very difficult choices to make ends meet, and thus face greater risks of exploitation,” he said.