Shafaq News/ Iraq’s decision to deduct 1% fromstate employees’ salaries for humanitarian aid to Gaza and Lebanon has stirredlegal concerns and dissatisfaction among workers. While the government framesit as a voluntary contribution, critics argue it burdens employees alreadyfacing economic hardships, with many calling for a reconsideration of thepolicy.
Official Decision
The Iraqi Council of Ministers, during its 47th regular session held onNovember 19, 2024, approved a decision for the Ministry of Finance to deduct 1%from the salaries, allowances, and pensions of all state institutions. Thisvoluntary contribution will be deposited equally into accounts supporting Gazaand Lebanon, or as prioritized by the Prime Minister.
Employees or retirees who do not wish to contribute may submit a formalrequest to their respective minister or head of an independent agency, statingtheir decision. The minister or head of the agency will then ensure their nameis removed from the list of donors, according to a document signed by theSecretary-General of the Council of Ministers, Hamid Naeem.
Employee Discontent
The decision has sparked dissatisfaction among many employees. MohammadAbdul Jabbar, an employee, stated that "employees have been demandingadjustments to the salary scale for years, but it has yet to be addressed. Now,instead of salary increases, they are being reduced to assist othercountries."
Abdul Jabbar added to Shafaq News, "Although the decision is notmandatory, those who refuse must submit a request through their department,which will then be forwarded to the ministry. This complicated process forcesemployees to accept the decision to avoid dealing with bureaucratic proceduresand official documents."
The employee called on the government to reconsider this decision,stressing that employees' salaries should be increased rather than reduced. “Thecost of living is tough, and inflation continues."
On the other hand, Umm Mohammad, a resident of Baghdad, believed that"the 1% deduction from employees' salaries impacts low-income workers,especially those who live in rented accommodation."
She told Shafaq News, "Instead of this contribution going to othercountries, the government should consider the crises citizens face and theirliving conditions. Such deductions could be used, for example, to createhousing projects for the poor and low-income groups. This would gain moreacceptance, as opposed to helping other countries, which have ways to securefunds, including loans."
Economic and Legal Concerns
Economic researcher Ahmad Eid stated that despite the humanitariandimensions of the decision, it overlooks the economic and social consequenceson citizens in balancing support for external causes with addressing localchallenges.
In his interview with Shafaq News, Eid explained, "Socially, thedesicion promotes the concept of human solidarity among nations. However,employees may view Hezbollah as the primary beneficiary, using these funds tocover military and armament expenses."
"It's important to note that thisdecision has created division among citizens, many of whom see it as anadditional burden on a population already struggling with difficult livingconditions. These individuals had been eagerly awaiting the government'sattention to raise their salaries amid the deteriorating living standards ofmany employees in Iraqi ministries."
Eid emphasized that Iraq faces challenges in achieving fiscal balancedue to its heavy reliance on oil revenues and the slow growth of the non-oilsector. Therefore, according to Eid, any additional deductions “couldexacerbate economic pressure on individuals and provoke criticism regardinggovernment spending priorities.”
From a legal standpoint, Eid argued, "An employee's contract withthe state is based on receiving a salary in exchange for providing service.Salaries should not be tampered with unless there is explicit consent from theemployee."
Legal expert Mohammad Jumaa warned that Article 28 of the Constitutionclearly states that no taxes or fees can be imposed except by law. “Thisdeduction was not established by law but through a Cabinet decision. To avoidviolating this constitutional provision, the Cabinet made it voluntary,requiring those who refuse to submit a request for exemption. However, theseinstructions effectively make it mandatory, not voluntary."
"If the deduction were truly voluntary,the request would be made for the deduction, not the reverse. Therefore, thedecision is in effect mandatory and legally unconstitutional." He explainedto Shafaq News.
MP Talib Abdul Karim Al-Maamari agreed with Jumaa, stating that thedeductions were "invalid," pointing out, "It cannot bemandatory, and those who refuse should not have to submit a request. Thisprocess takes too long and burdens ministries and their staff. There shouldhave been donation boxes in all provinces and state institutions, allowingthose who are financially able to contribute as they see fit. Donations arevoluntary, not compulsory."
Al-Maamari told Shafaq News, "The people of Gaza and Lebanon aredear brothers, and we must assist them. However, this should not be done in anobligatory manner, as some employees, especially those with large families andchildren, need their salaries to meet basic needs. Providing for one's familyis more important than donating, even to a mosque."
Iraqi Aid to Lebanon and Gaza
Since the onset of the war in Lebanon, Baghdadhas swiftly launched both government and private sector relief campaigns,including the shipment of food, fuel, and hundreds of tons of aid to Lebanon.
In addition to the current decision to deduct 1%from employee salaries, Iraq had previously sent around 100 fuel tankers toLebanon before the outbreak of the war, as part of humanitarian efforts tosupport the Lebanese people amid the challenges they face.
Iraq also welcomed approximately 17,000 Lebaneserefugees fleeing the Israeli war, allowing them to enter the country with theirpersonal vehicles and any official documents proving their identity.
Furthermore, Iraq sent tons of medical and foodaid and received dozens of wounded individuals for treatment. In a show ofsolidarity, schools in Iraq opened their doors to Lebanese students.
As for Gaza, alongside Iraq's official stance insupport of the Palestinians, the country has also sent hundreds of tons ofhumanitarian aid.