Venezuela To Lift Military Wages 30% On Jan 1 - Chavez [View All]

[Say_What]

It's not hard to imagine how the corporate press is gonna spin this for the Bushies.

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CARACAS (Dow Jones)--Venezuela will increase military salaries by 30% across the board as of Jan 1, 2004, President Hugo Chavez announced Sunday.

Chavez didn't mention the new national minimum wage for 2004. Venezuela traditionally increases the minimum wage on May 1 each year, the country's Labor Day. The government lifted the minimum wage by 30% over the course of 2003.

"This is justice the 30% increase for all grades and military chains of command," said Chavez.

Chavez also announced a year-end wage bonus and new social programs for the military. The military wage increase comes as Chavez prepares for a possible recall referendum early next year. The government has said officers shouldn't participate in a signature drive designed to authorize the recall, arguing that officers can vote, but not participate in political rallies or campaigns.

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