Another paycut for civil servants is now being actively explored by the interim government after the high court quashed the cabinet decision to reduce the retirement age in the civil service from 60 to 55 years yesterday.
Interim Minister for Public Service Poseci Bune also confirms that the interim government's plans to restore a portion of the remaining four percent paycut will have to be staggered for a longer period if their appeal against the decision fails.
Bune also revealed that the immediate consequence of the court decision will see some 600 graduates remain unemployed.
He confirms that State lawyers are preparing to appeal the ruling in which Justice Filimoni Jitoko declared that the decision is unlawful and therefore null and void and quashed the Order to reduce the retirement age.
FTA,FPSA welcomes court decision
The Fijian Teachers Association and the Fiji Public Service Association have welcomed the court decision and called on the interim government to adhere to the ruling.
The Fijian Teachers Association General Secretary Maika Namudu said the revelations by the Interim Minister will surely dampen the Christmas spirit of civil servants.
Namudu said any such move would create another standoff between the Unions and the Interim government.
General Secretary for the Public Employees Union Pita Delana said their members are already living under the poverty line and if another pay cut is implemented it would make life harder for everyone.
The Fiji Public Service Association Industrial Relations Advisor, Nirbhay Singh stresses that the interim government should not make any decisions without consulting the unions first.
Viti Taukei Workers Union General Secretary, Taniela Tabu said the interim government should not punish the civil servants for the High Court decision.
