Beirut: The General Labour Confederation urged the government to secure funding for six additional salary payments for public sector employees and extend productivity allowances to workers in public institutions during talks with Finance Minister Yassine Jaber. Confederation president Bechara Asmar also called for increased funding for the Lebanese University's mutual fund and a review of arbitration council compensation.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, the union reiterated its opposition to any 1% increase in value-added tax (VAT), warning it would raise the cost of goods and services and place a heavier burden on low- and middle-income households.