10% PAY RISE FOR COUNCIL WORKERS, 7% BACKDATED TO 2023
‘HAVING JOINED THE COUNCIL AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR, WE NOTICED THAT THE MORALE OF THE WORKERS WAS VERY LOW’
The backdated pay will be paid within the month of May, 2024.
Nasinu Town Council has announced a pay increase for its employees in a bid to recognise their hard work and increase staff retention.
The announcement includes a seven per cent backdated payment for the year 2023 and a 10 per cent pay rise for 2024.
Key Highlights
■ Pay Increase Details: Employees will receive a seven per cent backdated payment for 2023 and a 10 per cent increase for 2024;
■ Effective Date: The backdated pay will be paid within the month of May, 2024.
During his announcement, the chair of Nasinu Town Council, Felix Magnus, said it summed up the council’s commitment to improving employee welfare and boosting morale.
“Today we signed a backdated payment for the year 2023 and a 10 per cent pay rise for 2024,” Mr Magnus said.
“Having joined the council at the beginning of the year, we noticed that the morale of the workers was very low.
“So, considering all the factors, we decided to start in-house by capacity building and looking after our much deserving workforce.”
Attar Singh, the Assistant National Secretary of FTUC, noted that this pay increase will help alleviate the financial burden of workers.
“I’m sure this is to bring about some relief and also a morale booster for the workers and the members of the union.
“We want to assure the council and the administrators that our members will commit themselves fully to carry out the work of the council, to deliver services to the ratepayers as required, and bring in the required discipline to make sure that work is done on time.”
Expected Outcomes Improved Staff Morale:
■ The pay increase is expected to significantly boost staff morale, as highlighted by the council chair: “We hope that this pay raise will bring back the morale that we want. We want a workforce of committed workers.”
■ Enhanced Community Service: With increased morale and motivation, the council anticipates improved service delivery to the community.
Long-Term Impact
The NTC chair expressed hope that this initiative would serve as a model for other municipalities throughout Fiji.
“I hope that this will cascade to the rest of the municipalities throughout Fiji, recognising the dedication and sacrifice that council workers have rendered,” Mr Magnus said.
Acting chief executive officer, Mohammed Imraan, said: “We have approved a 10 per cent increment for all our staff, acknowledging the vital roles they play, especially our depot workers who engage in strenuous activities like garbage collection and drain cleaning.
“This increase not only helps retain our valued employees but also serves as a heartfelt thank you for their relentless efforts.
“With the rising cost of living, this adjustment is timely and essential, allowing our staff to better meet their daily needs and save for the future.”
These workers have worked tirelessly over the years, come rain or shine, ensuring our streets are clean and our community is well-maintained. This pay raise is just a token of appreciation for the hard work and dedication they have committed to the community of Nasinu. Felix Magnus Nasinu Town Council chair
About Nasinu Town Council
Nasinu Town Council is responsible for the administration of Fiji’s most populous municipality, with a total population of 92,073 distributed across seven wards.
The council handles local governance, services, and development projects to meet the needs of its diverse community.
This pay increase reflects Nasinu Town Council’s dedication to not only acknowledging the hard work of its employees but also enhancing their quality of life, contributing positively to the broader community.
“It’s high time now that we acknowledge them and give them the rights that they truly deserve,” Mr Imraan said.