The Fiji Public Service Association (FPSA) has raised alarms regarding the recent Circular 14/2024 issued by the Ministry of Civil Service. This circular represents a significant shift in the Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) and overtime compensation policies specifically affecting Band F employees.
Since its release on October 1, the new policy has already begun to disrupt vital public healthcare services. Departments such as Radiology and Pharmacy are particularly impacted, risking a reduction in both the quality and accessibility of healthcare for the citizens of Fiji.
Under the revised policies, Band F Allied Health staff members will no longer receive overtime pay, setting them apart from their nursing colleagues. This change has led to a wave of dissatisfaction, with many employees feeling demoralized and treated unfairly. The FPSA has criticized this move as discriminatory, arguing it violates the Employment Relations Act of 2007.
The salary for Band F employees ranges from $22,528.74 at Step 1 to $36,103.75 at Step 7. Judith Kotobalavu, the general secretary of FPSA, stated, “The changes introduced under Circular 14/2024 are a disservice to our dedicated public servants.” She explained that rather than alleviating staffing shortages, the new policy has only added pressure to employees, leading to burnout as they strive to maintain service quality.
In light of these policy changes, the Ministry of Health has been compelled to refer patients needing after-hours Radiology services to private facilities, such as Oceania Private Hospital. This not only increases expenses for the ministry but also diverts critical resources from public healthcare, further jeopardizing the healthcare system.
Kotobalavu emphasized the negative implications of outsourcing essential services, claiming it reflects poor planning and a lack of commitment to investing in the public health workforce. “This is not only an inefficient use of public funds, but it also reflects a concerning shift away from supporting the healthcare workers who are the backbone of our public health services,” she noted.
In response to these challenges, the FPSA is urging the Ministry of Civil Service and the Public Service Commission to promptly review and amend the policy. They advocate for a just and transparent approach to overtime compensation for Band F employees, stressing that public services must not be compromised due to the inequitable treatment of civil servants.
Kotobalavu concluded with a call for the ministry to reassess its approach to addressing overtime needs, suggesting that proper compensation for the demanding work of public servants is essential for upholding the integrity of the public healthcare system.
In summary, the FPSA is urging immediate reconsideration of the new circular, advocating for equity and support for healthcare workers, which is crucial for ensuring that public healthcare in Fiji can continue to serve its community effectively.
With constructive dialogue and a commitment to addressing these concerns, there is hope for a positive resolution that supports both employees and the quality of healthcare services in Fiji.
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