The Fiji Public Service Association (FPSA) has raised serious concerns regarding the adverse impacts of the Ministry of Civil Service’s recent communication, Circular 14/2024. This new directive modifies the Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) and overtime compensation policies specifically affecting Band F employees, which has led to significant disruptions in essential public healthcare services, particularly within the Radiology and Pharmacy departments. These disruptions are resulting in diminished healthcare quality and accessibility for the citizens of Fiji.
Under the new policy, Allied Health staff in Band F no longer qualify for overtime pay, creating a disparity compared to nursing colleagues who still receive such compensation. This decision has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among affected employees, many of whom feel demoralized and treated unfairly. The FPSA has characterized this as discrimination against Band F workers, arguing that it violates Fiji’s Employment Relations Act of 2007.
Band F employees, who earn between $22,528.74 to $36,103.75 annually, are expressing concerns that the changes not only add to their workload but also jeopardize patient care. A notable impact is the referral of patients requiring after-hours Radiology services to private facilities, like Oceania Private Hospital, thereby increasing costs for the Ministry of Health while diverting resources from public healthcare.
Judith Kotobalavu, the General Secretary of the FPSA, criticized the Ministry’s approach, stating, “The changes introduced under Circular 14/2024 are a disservice to our dedicated public servants.” She highlighted that instead of resolving staffing shortages, the restructured policy further burdens the workforce, contributing to employee burnout. Kotobalavu emphasized a need for strategic planning and investment in public healthcare rather than relying on private sectors for essential services.
In light of this situation, the FPSA is urging the Ministry of Civil Service and the Public Service Commission to promptly review and amend this policy. They advocate for a transparent and equitable overtime compensation structure for Band F workers, asserting that the integrity of healthcare services should be upheld without inequitable treatment of public servants. Kotobalavu called for effective budget management over the overtime plans, emphasizing the importance of fairly compensating public servants who are vital to healthcare delivery.
This situation provides an opportunity for stakeholders to reassess and improve the policies governing compensation for public workers, which, if resolved positively, could enhance job satisfaction and overall healthcare quality in Fiji.
In summary, the FPSA has voiced serious concerns regarding the latest changes impacting Band F employees, urging for an immediate policy review to ensure fairness and adequate compensation, which is crucial for maintaining public healthcare standards in Fiji.
Leave a comment