BEIRUT: President Michel Sleiman called Tuesday for an agreement between labor unions and the private sector on a wage hike plan, while Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged Cabinet action on long-standing issues such as the draft 2012 state budget and long-overdue appointments to fill key posts in the civil service. The pleas by Sleiman and Mikati came during a Cabinet session held at Baabda Palace which failed to act on any of these important issues that have been repeatedly delayed, apparently due to differences between leaders of major political blocs making up the Cabinet and the president and the prime minister.

Addressing the session, Sleiman underlined the need for taking action as soon as possible on a wage increase plan, in accordance with the law and taking into account remarks made by the Shura Council, in order to achieve a balance between the labor unions’ demands and the financial resources of the state and employers, according to a statement read to reporters by acting Information Minister Wael Abu Faour.

Sleiman’s remarks came as the Cabinet is expected to endorse next week the agreement reached between the private sector and the General Labor Confederation on the salary hike, while the Shura Council assessed Labor Minister Charbel Nahhas’ last amendment to the proposal. Representatives from the private sector and the GLC met Monday with Mikati and head of the Free Patriotic Movement MP Michel Aoun in an attempt to drum up support for the agreement amid signs that the government may give its seal of approval for the understanding.

The Cabinet did not address the wage hike proposal during Tuesday’s session, in a clear effort by Mikati to reach a consensus on the deal he brokered. The divergence between the two views revolves around the transportation allowance issue. While Nahhas insists the allowance should be included in the basic salary, the private sector maintains that such a step would increase costs beyond their means.

Sleiman also stressed the need for the continued discussion of the draft 2012 state budget, in addition to speeding up the debate on a new election law in private Cabinet sessions for this purpose, Abu Faour said.

Sleiman urged relevant ministers to make preparations for a snowstorm that is expected to lash Lebanon starting Wednesday, by taking measures to reopen blocked roads, avoid damage and be ready for any rescue operation.

For his part, Mikati called for energizing Cabinet’s work in order to reach decisions on several issues, at the forefront of which are the 2012 budget and administrative appointments, Abu Faour said.