The Fiji Public Service Association (FPSA) is voicing significant apprehensions regarding the implications of a recent circular issued by the Ministry of Civil Service. Circular 14/2024, which was published on October 1, introduces major alterations to the Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) and overtime compensation policies specifically affecting employees in Band F.
This new policy is reportedly disrupting vital public healthcare services, especially in the Radiology and Pharmacy departments, which has resulted in a deterioration in the quality and accessibility of healthcare available to the Fijian populace.
A central issue brought to light is that Allied Health staff within Band F are now ineligible for overtime pay, unlike their nursing counterparts. This change has sparked a wave of dissatisfaction among affected employees, who are expressing feelings of demoralization and inequity. The FPSA has termed this situation as a clear instance of discrimination against Band F employees, as they are being denied fair remuneration for their overtime work, a situation the association claims violates the Employment Relations Act of 2007.
The salary for Band F employees ranges from $22,528.74 to $36,103.75. Judith Kotobalavu, the FPSA general secretary, remarked, “The changes introduced under Circular 14/2024 represent a disservice to our dedicated public servants.” The policy shift has exacerbated staffing shortages and left many employees overwhelmed as they strive to maintain service delivery, leading to challenges such as burnout.
Additionally, the FPSA noted that the Ministry of Health is now compelled to refer patients needing after-hours Radiology services to private facilities like Oceania Private Hospital, which not only increases costs for the ministry but also depletes public healthcare resources.
Kotobalavu criticized the decision to outsource essential healthcare services, stating, “This reflects a lack of strategic planning and a failure to prioritize investment in the public healthcare system.” She emphasized that this move not only misuses public funds but also overlooks the need to support healthcare workers, who are essential to the public health service.
In response to these developments, the FPSA is urging the Ministry of Civil Service and the Public Service Commission to promptly reassess this policy. They advocate for a fair and transparent approach to overtime compensation for Band F employees, stressing that access to healthcare services should not be compromised due to unfair treatment of civil servants. Kotobalavu concluded by saying, “Instead of resorting to private sector solutions, the ministry should focus on effectively managing its overtime budget and ensuring that public servants are fairly compensated for their hard work.”
This situation highlights the critical need for policy-makers to listen to employee concerns in order to enhance workforce morale and maintain high-quality public services, promoting a healthier, more effective public health system for all Fijians. The call for a review of this policy represents an opportunity for constructive dialogue aimed at fostering a more equitable work environment that prioritizes both employee welfare and public service quality.
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