This week in Mauritius, several issues are drawing attention. Employers are urging businesses to hold off on implementing the government's wage adjustments, Plaisance Airport receives international recognition, road accidents are on the rise, and much more.
Wage relativity adjustment: Showdown between employers and government
Tensions between Business Mauritius and the government over wage relativity are escalating. Originally set for the end of September, the wage adjustments have been put on hold after Business Mauritius called on its members to refrain from following the new measures. The employers' association is advising companies to delay any changes until further clarity is provided.
Business Mauritius argues that the government's adjustment deviates from standard wage review processes and is being uniformly applied across all businesses, without regard for their individual financial situations or usual salary review cycles. Additionally, many companies had already implemented wage adjustments without engaging the legally mandated consultation bodies. The association is now contemplating legal action.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labor has revised 32 regulatory frameworks concerning remuneration, granting the minister broader authority to adjust wages without the need for lengthy procedural delays. The government has warned employers that failure to comply with the law could lead to severe penalties. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to Rs 50,000 per employee.
A total of 197,042 private-sector employees out of 333,380 are affected by this wage reform. However, nearly 15% of workers fall outside the Remuneration Orders categories and will not see any salary increases by the end of September. The Ministry has already referred the matter to the National Remuneration Board.
Aviation: New award for Plaisance Airport
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (SSR) has earned global recognition once again for its exemplary safety standards. The Airports Council International (ACI) Africa awarded SSR the 2024 Airport Safety Award in the category for airports handling between 20,000 and 50,000 aircraft movements in 2023. The award acknowledges the airport's effective emergency management systems and adherence to international safety regulations.
This is not the first time Plaisance Airport has been honored in this category. In 2022, it won the coveted Airport Safety Award, further cementing its status as a leader in aviation safety.
EU and World Bank back development of Rodrigues
The World Bank and the European Union have teamed up to drive development in Rodrigues. A $184 million loan from the World Bank, along with a €16 million grant from the EU, will help the island launch one of its most ambitious projects: the construction of a new airport with a 2,100-meter-long and 45-meter-wide runway.
Beyond airport infrastructure, this funding will benefit critical sectors like tourism, fisheries, agriculture, and water management. The new airport is eagerly anticipated and is expected to significantly bolster Rodrigues' economic growth.
Road Accidents: A grim year for Mauritius in 2024
Road fatalities in Mauritius continue to climb at an alarming rate. Since the start of the year, 92 people have lost their lives on the island's roads. Motorcyclists remain the most vulnerable, accounting for 42 deaths, followed by pedestrians (16), passengers (24), cyclists (6), and passengers riding pillion (4).
This surge in fatalities marks a worrying trend. In 2023, the number of fatal accidents had already risen by 31.3% compared to the previous year, with 130 accidents claiming 138 lives. Motorcyclists and their passengers remain the most at-risk group, with 57 deaths reported last year.
