Our History

Our History: The Legacy of the Government General Services Union

​The Government General Services Union (GGSU) stands as one of the foundational pillars of public sector trade unionism in Mauritius. For decades, we have been the unwavering voice for the 'general services' staff—the clerical officers, executive officers, and dedicated support personnel who form the administrative backbone of the Mauritian government.

​Our history is defined by a relentless commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and working conditions of civil servants across all ministries and departments.

​Early Foundations and the Rise of Fierce Advocacy

While the roots of civil service organisation stretch back to the post-independence era, the GGSU truly consolidated its modern strength and political influence in the late 1970s and early 1980s. During this period, the union transformed from a standard representative body into a formidable defender of workers' rights, ensuring that the administrative engine of the state was never taken for granted.

​This era of transformation is inextricably linked to the late Rashid Imrith, a titan of Mauritian labour relations. Joining the union's active ranks as a young civil servant and ascending to the presidency in 1983, Imrith—alongside stalwarts like long-serving secretary Bhoopa Brizmohun—instilled a culture of unyielding advocacy. Under their leadership, the GGSU became renowned for its refusal to accept unfavourable terms quietly.

​Defining Battles and Direct Action

Throughout the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s, the GGSU's historical footprint was largely defined by its rigorous challenges to the Pay Research Bureau (PRB) reports. The union has consistently held the state accountable, demanding fair compensation, structural equity, and protection against arbitrary administrative reforms.

​Key milestones in our history of direct action include:

​Defending Workers' Rights (2003): The GGSU vigorously opposed legislative amendments that sought to limit the rights of civil servants to contest PRB anomalies, viewing such moves as an infringement on constitutional freedoms.

​The MRA Transition (2006): During the establishment of the Mauritius Revenue Authority, the union fought aggressively to protect the salaries, increments, and transitional terms of the general services staff being seconded to the new entity.

​The 2016 Hunger Strike: In a stark display of commitment to the membership, union leaders undertook a hunger strike in Port Louis to protest against the 2016 PRB recommendations, successfully forcing the government to review and rectify anomalies.

​Our Continuing Mission

The relentless advocacy of the GGSU has fundamentally shaped the modern civil service. Our historical victories for fair pension schemes, regular salary realignments, and transparent promotion exercises have embedded a strong culture of collective bargaining into the public sector.

​Today, the GGSU continues to modernise and adapt to the digital age, ensuring our members remain informed, united, and protected. We carry forward the legacy of our founders: standing resilient, holding leadership accountable, and fighting for the dignity of every public sector worker in Mauritius.