Unions Concerned Over Bust Budget

One of the prominent Unions has called on the Auditor General to investigate those Ministries who have bust their budget and surcharge those who are responsible.Fiji Islands Council of Trade Unions General Secretary, Attar Singh said the Ministries should not have burst their budget in the first place and those responsible should pay the price especially in reference to the military busting their 2007 budget by $45million.Fiji Public Service Association Assistant General Secretary, Nirbay Singh said it's unfortunate when the interim government implemented the pay cut to save government finances after the events of December 5th and yet the military was doing the opposite by busting its' budget. He said the matter should be investigated. He said former Interim Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry should clearly explain the matter.The Fijian Teachers Association General Secretary Maika Namudu said these actions by the military are completely irresponsible adding this will not guarantee the military sticking to its already substantial budget for 2009.The Confederation of Public Sector Unions is expected to appear before the Arbitration Tribunal this Friday where a date is expected to be set for a proper hearing with regards to the restoration of their back pay.Fiji Public Service Association's Industrial Advisor Nirbhay Singh said they have made their submission to the Tribunal after the Chief Tribunal, William Cullenchini gave the unions time to make submissions.Singh refused to divulge what was included in the submission however said that they are asking for the 5% pay deducted to be backdated. The Association had earlier asked for a separate hearing from the Fijian Teachers Association and Public Service Union.FTA General Secretary, Maika Namudu said they will be meeting with the Tribunal on the 9th of next month to set a date for proper hearing on the same matter.The Public Sector Unions representing civil servants across the country filed a dispute after the Public Service Commission said that the Interim Government is not in the position to backdate the pay restoration.