Call for pay cut to PS salaries

SODELPA MP Aseri Radrodro is calling for a pay cut for permanent secretaries.

While welcoming the establishment of the Higher Salaries Commission, Mr Radrodro said the present PS salaries were “exorbitant”.

“The return of the HSC is welcomed. It hopefully means the impartial review and determination of remunerations for top executive positions in the public sector,” said Mr Radrodro.

“It hopefully means the impartial review and determination of remunerations for top executive positions in the public sector. May I request that under the current financial challenges, a reduction in permanent secretary remuneration is warranted against the vast disparity in salary levels to other levels of leadership within the civil service for example to the deputy secretaries and directors, and other crucial portfolios in government companies, statutory authorities, and commissions.

“The current PS salaries are exorbitant in my opinion and are almost equivalent if not more than ministerial salaries.”

Mr Radrodro said taxpayers funds were being wasted.

“Such rewards add to the false sense of seniority in government ministries and with vague performance indicators, such salaries are unjustified and a waste of taxpayer dollars.”

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the pay review for the civil service was part of government’s ongoing reforms.

“It is all part of what Government is doing and we take note of what all of the members are contributing, and we will act accordingly,” said Mr Rabuka.

“It is all part of the social restructuring and assessment. It is all part of the salary review in the whole of the civil service.”