Public servants face salary restructure as World Bank begins discussions on the policy initiative announced in 2019 by the Sogavare-led DCGA
THE WORLD BANK has begun work on restructuring salaries of public servants by holding discussions with stakeholders in Honiara.
No details are immediately available on the World Bank mission nor the discussions.
But the General Secretary of the Solomon Islands Public Employees Union (SIPEU), Robert Au, has confirmed having met with the two-member team – one an Australian and the other an American – last week.
Mr Au described his discussions with the pair as “good” but added the talks were open-ended as no timeframe was given on when a report might be due.
He said the Ministry of Public Service is coordinating the discussions. No details could be obtained from the Ministry of Public Service.
It is understood the restructuring of the public service salary structure was linked to a policy initiative announced by the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) after it formed government in 2019.
Since then, nothing has been heard of the public service salary restructuring policy.
In the five years since, cost of living has overtaken salary levels particularly in the urban centres where thousands of public servants are living beyond their means and are merely surviving on a hand-to-mouth existence.
The dire situation, according to some, has led to out-of-control corruption in the public sector.
There are reports the SIPEU is seeking approval to stage a peaceful march in Honiara to express dissatisfaction over the mishandling of the economy, particularly the plight of public servants in terms of the terms and conditions of their employment.
It is understood public servants have never had a salary raise in the last three or four years, compounding their worsening situation.
Mr. Au denied that a protest march is being planned, saying the SIPEU has already given the Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, a report on its Retreat held in Honiara earlier this year.
He said the report highlighted the concerns by Public Servants, adding SIPEU is awaiting a response from the Prime Minister.
By Alfred Sasako
