The Suva City Council has recently announced a five percent salary increase for all its employees. This decision follows discussions involving council members, the special administrator, and the Minister of Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa.
Tevita Boseiwaqa, the acting chief executive officer and chairperson of the SCC, emphasized the hard work of municipal employees, particularly in maintaining the cleanliness of Suva city. He expressed the importance of recognizing their efforts, stating, “They are the ones that got the job done.”
The decision came after thorough consultations with the staff, unions, and heads of departments, making it a collaborative effort. The pay increase applies to both established and unestablished employees, marking just one of the four benefits the SCC is rolling out. Earlier, a sick leave benefit was introduced before the Christmas holiday.
The pay rise will be implemented in stages: a two percent increase was disbursed on the last day of 2024, with an additional one percent scheduled for January 28 and the final two percent expected before April 17. Boseiwaqa acknowledged the commitment of municipal workers who often spend significant time away from home and indicated that this increase aims to help them achieve a better work-life balance.
In another significant development, as of December 31, 2024, all acting positions within the SCC have been regularized, particularly for those who have served in these roles for over six months. Boseiwaqa pointed out that this regularization is part of a broader strategy to foster a healthy working environment and leadership. Moving forward, positions below the CEO level will shift from being contracted to tenured roles, with ongoing assessments to monitor progress.
Summary: The Suva City Council has approved a five percent salary increase for all employees, acknowledging their hard work in maintaining city cleanliness. The pay rise will be implemented in phases, and all acting positions have been regularized to support a healthier work environment.
This positive development highlights the SCC’s commitment to valuing its employees and providing them with better compensation and stability, which can ultimately enhance employee morale and productivity in the long run.
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