Members to Be Awarded 5% COLA

Members of the Fiji Local Government Officers Association and Nadi Town Council workers have good reasons to celebrate.

This is after representatives of both parties signed a Memorandum of Agreement on pay rise and other conditions of employment on March 1, in Nadi.

Both parties have agreed that five per cent Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) be awarded to all salaried staffs (members of the union) effective from January 1, 2023, and the salary structure be adjusted accordingly.

The back pay is to be paid out before March 14, 2024.

The council and union agreed on re-introduction Performance Appraisal/Increment effective from August 1, 2024.

Association president Rouhit Karan Singh said the deliberation was in very timely manner, the thoughts of the newly appointed board of special administrators speak volume for their understanding of worker’s commitment and hard earned rights.

He said workers and the union were now finding relief because some years back, the protection of workers’ rights had been challenging in Fiji.

But now with the Government’s priority, there is great recognition and respect on workers rights and benefits.

“Our dignity has been restored once again. It was one of fastest negotiations concluded, signed and sealed by parties that took less than two hours,” Mr Singh said. “Job security is paramount because one cannot be secure when they don’t know what future holds for them tomorrow.”

“We will pursue for removal of individual and short-term contracts in all municipalities.

With the removal of the contractual appointments in civil service, he dosesn’t see any good reasons what holds back municipalities from following policies set at the national level.

“The workers should understand the purpose of their existence and rightly deliver the goals with due diligence,” he said.

Board chair Saliceni Raiwalui ensured negotiations ended in good faith.

“Employees are happiest when they feel a sense of belonging at work,” Mr Raiwalui said.

The association looks forward to the review of labour laws for the protection of workers’ rights.

Employees are happiest when they feel a sense of belonging at work Saliceni Raiwalui Board chair