$20 meal payment for State workers

The Fijian Government has reviewed and approved the increase in meal allowances and raised the ceiling for overtime for civil servants effective from September 1, 2017.

The Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Public Enterprises, Civil Services and Communications Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the increase from $9 to $20 was to compensate civil servants working beyond official hours and out of stations. “The review for the increase in meal allowances is part and parcel of ongoing civil service reforms, which has been initiated on the FijiFirst Government’s volition and to ensure that civil servants are adequately compensated to deliver the highest standards of service delivery for every Fijian”, Mr SayedKhaiyum said.

The last increase for meal allowances for all civil servants was raised from $7.50 to $9 in 2006.

“We have also reviewed overtime allowances which will be based on the Salary Band of an officer rather than on Salary Scale which was previously the case and it will apply to both substantial and acting positions.

“Previously, only civil servants who earned less than $24,667 annually were eligible for overtime. Under the new system, civil servants, excluding teachers, whose current position is on Band E or below are now eligible for overtime allowances. The maximum annual salary for Band E is capped at $30, 515.63,” he said.

The Attorney-General further stated that as part of the reform, the Government recognises the long hours that nurses work and from 1 September 2017, registered nurses on Band F are also eligible for Overtime. The maximum annual salary for Band F is capped at $36,103.75.

The Attorney-General said that the increase was part of a wider review of the Civil Service General Orders.