As the Confederation of Public Sector Unions waits for its demand to have a 110% pay rise for all civil servants in the country based on the pay rise for those at the Permanent Secretary level, we have also asked the top unionists today how much they get paid through the union members funds.
The Fiji Public Service Association, Fiji Teachers Union and the Fijian Teachers Association are part of the confederation which has given in its log of claims to the Public Service Commission.
They say it is unfair how the high level of increment has been given to those at the Permanent Secretary level in government while other civil servants do not have that level of pay.
Based on accountability and transparency, we have asked the unionists what is their total salary and benefits package from the union members’ funds.
We asked FPSA General Secretary Rajeshwar Singh and he said he will not reveal what he gets unless all the ministers reveal their pay.
He also said they are now willing to negotiate with the government on the 110% pay rise demand.
The Attorney General had earlier announced that the salaries of Ministers and people holding senior public service posts will be revealed when laws relating to the Code of Conduct are set up after the enactment of the constitution.
Those who are contesting the elections will also have to declare their assets, income and liabilities under the Political Parties Decree.
Meanwhile when we approached the Fijian Teachers Association General Secretary, Maika Namudu about the matter, he said that he will not reveal his salary and benefits package.
He asked why we are trying to get the unionists to reveal their package.
Fiji Teachers Union General Secretary, Agni Deo Singh is out of the country and could not be reached for a comment.
Meanwhile about 500 people attended the Confederation of Public Sector Unions meeting last night.
Agni Deo Singh said they are now waiting for the PSC’s response.
PSC has already said that it will not comment on the confederation’s log of claims.
Story by: Vijay Narayan & Prasheel Chandra
Feature
Unionists question PS salaries, refuse to reveal their own
