1 Apr 2009

Fiji PSA doubts cost cutting means job losses

3:05 pm on 1 April 2009

The general secretary of the Fiji Public Service Association says he has been assured none of his members will lose their jobs or have their salaries cut following a cost-cutting directive of 50 percent by the Public Service Commission.

The Fiji Times reports a directive, dated March the 30th and signed by the outgoing permanent secretary of the Commission urged ministries to work smarter, reorganise and review staffing, but to ensure that public service delivery is not in anyway compromised.

Rajeshwar Singh says he has met with the head of the PSC and been assured none of the 370 million US dollar salary budget will be cut.

He says it is the other half of the budget, for utilities, power and water is to be reduced.

"There's no implications on SAG1 and SAG2 of the budget which is about payment of salary and there is nobody who is going to lose his or her job so that part I am very satisfied and those of my members who are receiving acting appointments will continue to receive acting appointments."

Rajeshwar Singh says he has been told service delivery will not be affected either.