More than 140 workers at the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) are set to benefit from a cumulative 10% wage increase rolled out across three years, after a landmark collective bargaining agreement was struck between the National Workers Union (NWU) and NIC management. The pay raise will be implemented in incremental stages, with a 3% hike kicking off in the first year, a further 3% increase in the second year, and a final 4% adjustment in the third year of the deal. All wage adjustments will be retroactively applied, with back pay calculated from January 2025 onward, when the agreement officially enters into force. Beyond base wage adjustments, negotiators from both sides are still in active discussions to finalize a separate gratuity transfer framework, which would add another layer of financial security for participating NIC employees. The newly reached deal also expands and improves a suite of supplementary employee benefits, addressing longstanding requests from unionized staff. Key enhancements include elevated travel allowances for work-related trips, structured long-service recognition bonuses for employees who have served the organization for 7, 10, and 20 years, more transparent guidelines for overtime compensation, and updated reimbursement policies for delayed issuance of required work uniforms. The agreement came to fruition after multiple rounds of productive negotiations between NWU representatives and NIC leadership, with both sides making compromises to reach a mutually acceptable outcome. In line with national labor regulations, the deal is scheduled to undergo an official signing ceremony, which will be attended by the Labour Commissioner from the national Department of Labour to validate the process. NWU General Secretary Johann Harewood confirmed that both parties have committed to ongoing monitoring of the agreement throughout its three-year term. This oversight framework will ensure that all terms are implemented as agreed, and allow for timely adjustments if any implementation issues arise. The collective bargaining agreement will remain in effect from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027, bringing three years of wage stability and improved working conditions for NIC’s unionized workforce.