CSC nullifies ‘special cadre’ item for National Assembly Secretariat employees

The Civil Service Council, in a decision issued during its May 15, 2025 meeting, approved the permanent application of the general salary schedule to employees of the General Secretariat of the National Assembly, in accordance with Article Two of Decree-Law No. 63 of 2025, which suspends the National Assembly’s internal regulations.

This decision follows the dissolution of the Assembly and the attachment of its employees to the Council of Ministers, and will remain in effect until the implementation of Law No. 12 of 1963 resumes or a new Assembly is elected, reports Al-Jarida daily.

Under the new system:

• Employees will receive a temporary monthly bonus of 30% of their gross salary (based on the general salary scale before insurance deductions) for one year only.
• This effectively cancels the special cadre and subjects the Secretariat staff to CSC regulations.
• The CSC is tasked with implementing this decision in line with the decree.

Constitutional expert Dr. Mohammed Al-Faili explained the move confirms the nullification of the previous cadre and raises legal concerns, especially regarding financial obligations such as loans. He emphasized that such changes must consider the acquired legal rights of employees and highlighted ambiguities regarding the calculation of allowances and total salary.

Dr. Al-Faili warned of legal and social dilemmas, stating the unclear foundation of the decision may jeopardize legal security and create unforeseen financial burdens for employees.

Decree-Law No. 63 of 2025, issued earlier this month, suspended all decisions stemming from Law No. 12 of 1963, except Article 178, which maintains the attachment of the General Secretariat to the Prime Minister’s Office during the Assembly’s dissolution. Articles 1 and 2 of the decree transfer employees to the civil service framework under Decree-Law No. 15 of 1979.

The accompanying memorandum noted that past resolutions governing the Secretariat (No. 26 of 2009 and No. 46 of 2014) introduced benefits inconsistent with general civil service laws.

Since the employees are no longer performing parliamentary duties, unifying functional systems is essential to avoid unequal advantages and maintain alignment with the current constitutional framework.