The Fiji Public Service Association (FPSA) has submitted a strike notice to the Registrar of Trade Unions in response to ongoing grievances with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS).
In a message to its over 300 members, FPSA Secretary-General Judith Kotobalavu expressed deep frustration over the prolonged delays in addressing these issues. “We have waited for eight long months and hoped for a swift resolution to our pending grievances,” she stated.
Kotobalavu highlighted concerns regarding the 2023 Job Evaluation Exercise (JEE) report, which has not yet been shared or discussed with FPSA members at FRCS, casting doubt on the rationale for a proposed new salary structure for the staff. The JEE was completed in December 2023, leading to a suggested salary band based on standards from the finance and banking sectors.
She described the situation as a serious governance issue for FRCS, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. “Members have chosen to take further action due to the ongoing delays in resolving issues that have affected them for an extended period,” Kotobalavu added.
As a result, the FPSA feels compelled to move forward with industrial action, having held a meeting last week where members voted in favor of striking.
Inquiries directed to FRCS CEO Udit Singh received no response. However, he had previously indicated in early August that the issues raised by FPSA were under consideration by the board of directors, with the management team working to compile a response to some outstanding questions.