The Suva City Council has approved a five percent salary increase for all its employees, marking a positive step in recognizing the hard work of municipal staff who contribute to the cleanliness and upkeep of Suva city. This decision follows extensive consultations involving council members, the special administrator, and the Minister of Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa.
Tevita Boseiwaqa, the special administrator chairperson and acting chief executive officer, emphasized the importance of this raise in acknowledging the dedication of the workers, stating that they are crucial to the city’s operations. He highlighted the thorough discussions that took place with both the union and staff, ensuring a collective agreement on the decision.
The salary increase applies to both established and unestablished workers and is part of a broader initiative to enhance employee welfare, which also includes benefits such as sick leave introduced before the Christmas season. The first portion of the salary increase, amounting to two percent, was disbursed on the last day of 2024, with additional percentages set to follow in January and before April 17, 2024.
Additionally, Mr. Boseiwaqa announced that all acting positions within the council have been regularized as of December 31, 2024. This measure particularly affects individuals who have held their acting roles for over six months, aligning with the council’s strategy to foster a healthy work environment and stable leadership. Moving forward, all positions below the CEO level will transition from contractual to tenureship, with assessments to be conducted to monitor employee progress.
This initiative by the SCC not only benefits the workers financially but also aims to support a better work-life balance, acknowledging the time municipal workers spend away from their families. This positive development demonstrates the council’s commitment to improving employee satisfaction and organizational stability in Suva.
Overall, this decision by the Suva City Council reflects a progressive approach to employee welfare, highlighting the importance of recognizing and rewarding hard work within the public sector.
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