By By: The People News
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – As Liberia debates its record-breaking $1.2 billion national budget for 2026, the Civil Servants Association of Liberia (CSAL) is demanding a fair share for government employees who say they have long been sidelined in the nation’s fiscal priorities.
In a statement delivered by its president, Moibah Keller Johnson, the Association praised the government for presenting what it termed a “historic fiscal plan,” but criticized the failure to address long-standing salary grievances among civil servants — a situation it described as “unjust and economically unsustainable.”
“This budget shows progress in national planning,” Johnson said, “but progress that leaves behind those who keep the government running is incomplete. Civil servants are the backbone of every administration, and their welfare must be central to any development agenda.”
CSAL’s comments follow the submission of the 2026 draft budget to the National Legislature for scrutiny and approval. While noting the sharp rise from last year’s $800 million allocation, the Association said the increase appears to benefit ministries and agencies rather than the thousands of low-paid workers who keep the public service functioning.
The group referenced the controversial 2019 pay and payroll harmonization program, which aimed to standardize government salaries but instead slashed the earnings of nearly 70,000 civil servants by as much as 40 percent. Since then, CSAL noted, inflation and the declining Liberian dollar have worsened living conditions for many government workers.
“After harmonization, our members have been pushed into deeper poverty,” the statement read. “Many can no longer afford to educate their children or sustain their families. The reality is harsh, and it’s time for lawmakers to act.”
CSAL expressed deep disappointment that the government ignored a 2024 joint resolution from the Consortium of Public Sector Workers of Liberia, which called for wage restructuring and salary increases. The Association said the proposal was formally presented to the Ministry of Finance, the Legislature, and the Office of the Pro-Tempore, yet the 2026 draft budget makes no mention of it.
“Overlooking this resolution shows insensitivity to the daily struggles of public servants,” Johnson lamented. “Our members have waited patiently for reform, but patience has limits.”
The Association further accused the government of violating the National Remuneration and Standardization Act of 2019, which outlines key wage principles — affordability, equity, transparency, and competitiveness. CSAL argued that these principles have been ignored, leading to unequal pay and morale decline across ministries.
Calling on legislators to intervene, the Association urged the National Legislature to take a “people-first” approach during budget deliberations and ensure that provisions for salary adjustments and improved working conditions are included in the final document.
“We appeal to our lawmakers to stand with the civil servants,” Johnson said. “Government programs can only succeed when those implementing them are motivated, respected, and fairly compensated.”
Despite its frustration, CSAL reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and cooperation with the government, emphasizing that fair compensation and mutual engagement are crucial to building a stable and productive public workforce.
“As Liberia pursues its development goals, we remain ready to collaborate in ways that promote fairness, dignity, and prosperity for all civil servants,” Johnson concluded.
The 2026 draft national budget, now under legislative review, is expected to trigger heated debate in the coming weeks — with salary reform and civil servants’ welfare taking center stage in what could become one of the most consequential fiscal discussions in recent years.
