The former Interim Finance Minister has revealed that upon advice from the Public Service Commission, the interim cabinet decided not to backdate the pay restoration for civil servants.
Speaking in a talkback on Radio Sargam, Mahendra Chaudhry was questioned by listeners on why only one percent pay restoration has been backdated, and the remaining four percent will not be backdated.
Chaudhry replied that it’s the Public Service Commission which makes this kind of decisions after reaching an agreement with the Unions.
He also confirmed that the remaining two percent will be paid out in December and will not be backdated.
Chairman of the Public Service Commission, Rishi Ram is expected to comment later today.
Meanwhile, the General Secretary of Fijian Teachers Association said they are now waiting for the appointment of new arbitrators to go along with the Promulgation of the Employment Relations Bill after which their case can be heard.
Maika Namudu said the Unions are calling on the Interim government to not only restore the public servants full 5% pay but to backdate it as well and since the matter has been referred to arbitration, they do not know when the matter will be heard.
