The Fiji Public Service Association (FPSA) has raised alarm regarding the adverse impacts of a new directive from the Ministry of Civil Service, known as Circular 14/2024. This circular, effective from October 1, significantly alters the Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) and overtime compensation policies specifically for employees classified under Band F.
These changes have reportedly disrupted critical public healthcare services, particularly within the Radiology and Pharmacy departments, thereby diminishing the quality and availability of healthcare for the people of Fiji.
Under the revised policy, Band F employees in Allied Health roles are now excluded from receiving overtime pay, a departure from the compensation afforded to nursing staff. This decision has led to widespread dissatisfaction among affected employees, who feel demoralized and perceive it as an inequitable treatment. The FPSA termed the policy discriminatory, arguing it contradicts the provisions laid out in Fiji’s Employment Relations Act of 2007. Employees in Band F have salary scales ranging from approximately $22,528.74 to $36,103.75.
Judith Kotobalavu, the general secretary of FPSA, commented that the changes reflect poorly on public servants who are already facing staffing shortages. The new policy has added stress to workers, many of whom are experiencing burnout as they manage extra responsibilities to ensure continued service delivery.
This policy shift not only strains the workforce but also adversely affects patient care. The FPSA has reported that the Ministry of Health has resorted to directing patients needing after-hours Radiology services to private healthcare facilities, such as Oceania Private Hospital. This not only increases costs for the ministry but also redirects vital resources away from public healthcare, further threatening the integrity of the public health system.
Kotobalavu criticized the move to privatize essential healthcare services, stating that it represents a failure in strategic planning and an insufficient investment in the public healthcare system. She emphasized that public funds must be used efficiently and that the focus should be on supporting the healthcare workers who embody the backbone of Fiji’s public health services.
The FPSA is urging both the Ministry of Civil Service and the Public Service Commission to reassess and repeal the changes introduced by this policy. They are advocating for an equitable and transparent approach to overtime compensation for Band F employees, asserting that the treatment of civil servants should not jeopardize crucial public health services.
In a hopeful note, the awareness raised by the FPSA could prompt a reevaluation of the policy, potentially leading to a renewed commitment towards supporting public servants and enhancing the quality of healthcare services for all Fijians. Improved transparency and fair compensation might motivate public health employees to deliver high-quality care, ultimately benefiting the entire community.
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