Fiji’s Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations has urged the country’s Public Servants not to abuse their new-found freedoms as the contract system binding them is about to end.
Minister, Agni Deo Singh said contrary to the previous Government’s stance that contractual appointments made people more productive, the new administration wanted to adopt a more empathetic and caring approach towards its staff members.
“I know as a representative of the Civil Service, the fear was so ingrained that people were too frightened to even utter a word,” Mr Singh (pictured) said.
“They couldn’t express themselves,” he said.
“They were suffocated, so they have all breathed a sigh of relief.
“We can see how they are feeling elated and with that much extra vitality and energy want to make positive contributions.”
However, Mr Singh also said those in the service must ensure their performance was not compromised.
“As similar to the arrangement that we had prior to the imposition of the contractual appointments, there is a Public Service Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct, and there are disciplinary guidelines subject to review to make sure natural justice is accorded,” the Minister said.
“These guidelines will be followed to take appropriate action where people do not perform to expectation.
“So I think we have a good balance here.”
He said the Government would be taking care of its workers — but also making sure they delivered.
Suva, 9 January 2023
