Public Service Association warns CWM overtime ban could affect patient care

The Fiji Public Service Association (FPSA) has criticised the Colonial War Memorial Hospital’s decision to halt overtime payments, warning the move could affect patient care and place additional pressure on frontline health workers.

The concern follows the issuance of Internal Circular 01/2026 last week, which directs hospital staff to use Time-Off-In-Lieu (TOIL) instead of receiving overtime payments.

FPSA described the directive as “unacceptable and disconnected from the realities of frontline health service delivery”.

“Overtime is earned, not a favour. Replacing it with TOIL exploits staff shortages and forces workers to subsidise the health system with their own labour,” the association said.

The union warned that the instruction to maintain uninterrupted services while removing overtime pay was contradictory, saying staff morale, welfare and dignity were at risk and that patient care could be compromised.

FPSA also raised concerns about what it described as inconsistent and reactionary policy decisions across the public service, citing poor workforce planning, underfunding and governance through circulars rather than consultation.

The association has called on the Government and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to withdraw the directive, reinstate overtime payments where extended hours are required, stop using TOIL as a cost-cutting measure and consult unions before making employment-related changes.

“Health workers are not expendable. They are not volunteers. They are not responsible for budget gaps or administrative failures,” FPSA said, adding it would pursue all industrial and legal avenues to protect workers’ rights and public service delivery.

Ministry response

In response, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services said it had noted the circulation on social media of an internal circular from CWM Hospital relating to overtime payments for medical staff.

The ministry said a senior management meeting was held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, to address concerns about over-expenditure on overtime recorded over the past six months.

According to the ministry, discussions focused on improving oversight, coordination and budgetary control.

It was agreed that overtime approvals would be centralised through the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, with cost centre heads required to submit requests under established procedures.

The ministry said the approach was intended to strengthen financial governance, ensure accountability for public funds and support sustainable management of its allocated budget.