The Fiji Public Service Association (FPSA) has raised alarms regarding the ramifications of Circular 14/2024 issued by the Ministry of Civil Service, which significantly alters the Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) and overtime compensation policies for Band F employees. Implemented on October 1, these changes are reportedly having an adverse impact on vital public healthcare sectors, particularly within the Radiology and Pharmacy departments. Consequently, this is leading to a decrease in both the quality and accessibility of healthcare services to the Fijian populace.
One of the key alterations under the new policy is the exclusion of Allied Health staff in Band F from receiving overtime pay, a benefit that remains available to their nursing colleagues. This has triggered a wave of dissatisfaction among the staff, who express feelings of demoralization and inequality. The FPSA has called this a discriminatory move against Band F employees, who they argue are unfairly deprived of proper compensation for their overtime labor, a stance they believe contradicts Fiji’s Employment Relations Act of 2007. The salary range for Band F employees varies from $22,528.74 at Step 1 to $36,103.75 at Step 7.
FPSA General Secretary Judith Kotobalavu criticized the changes, stating, “The alterations introduced under Circular 14/2024 are a disservice to our dedicated public servants.” Additionally, she highlighted that this policy exacerbates existing staffing shortages and contributes to employee burnout as they take on extra responsibilities to sustain service delivery.
Moreover, the repercussions of the policy have been felt in patient care, with the Ministry of Health reportedly having to refer patients needing after-hours Radiology services to private entities such as the Oceania Private Hospital. This not only increases costs for the ministry but also siphons essential resources away from public healthcare facilities, thereby further compromising the public health system. Kotobalavu voiced concerns regarding the decision to outsource crucial healthcare services to private providers, suggesting it indicates a lack of strategic foresight and a failure to prioritize improvements in the public healthcare framework.
In response to these developments, the FPSA is urging the Ministry of Civil Service and the Public Service Commission to swiftly reassess the new policy. They are advocating for a fair and transparent method of overtime compensation for Band F employees, arguing that the integrity of healthcare services and other essential public services should not be jeopardized due to unequal treatment of civil servants.
“This situation urges the ministry to more effectively manage its overtime budget and ensure our public servants receive the compensation they rightly deserve for their demanding roles,” remarked Kotobalavu.
In summary, the FPSA’s appeal to reconsider the new policy reflects a broader concern for equitable treatment within the public sector, ultimately advocating for the sustainability of public healthcare services in Fiji. There is hope that through collaborative dialogue, a resolution can be found that supports both healthcare workers and enhances the quality of service provision for the community.
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