The Fiji Public Service Association (FPSA) has raised alarms regarding the implications of a recent circular issued by the Ministry of Civil Service, known as Circular 14/2024. This new policy, which came into effect on October 1, alters the Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) and overtime compensation arrangements for Band F employees, leading to serious disruptions in public healthcare services, particularly within the Radiology and Pharmacy departments. The FPSA warns that these changes might negatively impact the quality and availability of healthcare for Fijians.
One of the key changes within the policy involves the exclusion of Allied Health staff members in Band F from receiving overtime pay, while their nursing colleagues continue to qualify for this compensation. This shift has resulted in widespread discontent among affected workers, who report feelings of demoralization and unfair treatment. The FPSA argues that the exclusion is discriminatory and contradicts Fiji’s Employment Relations Act of 2007.
Judith Kotobalavu, general secretary of the FPSA, criticized the circular, stating that it leads to further challenges within an already stressed healthcare system, increasing burnout among public servants who are forced to take on additional responsibilities to ensure service delivery. The new policy has led to situations where patients in need of after-hours Radiology services are referred to private facilities like Oceania Private Hospital, incurring extra costs for the Ministry and drawing resources away from public healthcare.
The FPSA has called for an urgent review and reconsideration of this policy by the Ministry of Civil Service and the Public Service Commission. They advocate for a fair and transparent approach to overtime compensation, emphasizing that the essential public services, especially healthcare, should not be jeopardized due to inequitable treatment of civil servants.
In light of these challenges, it is vital that the Ministry takes a proactive approach in addressing the concerns raised by health workers. By prioritizing the well-being and compensation of public servants, the government can help restore morale and ensure that healthcare services remain effective and accessible for all Fijians.
This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of fair labor practices and the need for robust support for workers in critical sectors, paving the way for constructive dialogue and solutions that benefit both employees and the public they serve.
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