Correa signs decree to reduce wages in the highest hierarchical level of the public sector

President Rafael Correa signed Decree 601 which establishes the reduction of salaries of the superior level of the entire public sector, excepting the areas of education, health, justice, Armed Forces and National Police.

In addition, the President said after a public sector audit is performed, the Ministry of Labour will regulate the wages.

Within the decree the regulation to reduce the salaries of autonomous governments was not included, since the division scales or categories of large, medium and smal Municipalties is still analyzed, for the intervention of the Ministry of Labour which will be the entity that sets wage ceilings.

“There have been abuses in autonomous governments and municipalities where they earn more than the President,” he added.

The President said that 2,187 doctors are required, of which 1,000 have already been hired, but indicated that for the rest of personnel hiring  $ 21 million are needed, which would be obtained from the current salary reduction.

The salary reduction will be of 10% for the President; 9% for the Vice President; 8% for ministers; 7% for deputy ministers; 6% for secretaries; and 5% for coordinators.