Civil servants not responsible for global fuel crisis: FTU

The Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) has strongly opposed any suggestion that civil servants should face salary cuts to offset rising fuel costs and economic pressures, arguing that workers should not be punished for a global crisis they did not create.

FTU general secretary Muniappa Goundar said civil servants were not responsible for the international factors driving fuel price increases and inflation.

“They did not create the international economic conditions that have led to increased fuel prices, inflation and supply chain disruptions,” Mr Goundar said.

“It is therefore unfair and unacceptable that workers should be expected to carry the burden of economic challenges over which they have absolutely no control.”

Mr Goundar said workers across Fiji had already endured years of rising living costs and financial hardship.

He said the cost of food, transportation, electricity, housing, education and other basic necessities had increased significantly, leaving many families struggling to make ends meet.

“Any reduction in salaries would further erode the purchasing power of workers and push many households into greater financial distress,” he added.

The FTU reminded Government that public servants had continued to deliver essential services through some of Fiji’s most challenging periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic recovery.

“Rather than discussing salary reductions, the Government should be looking at ways to protect workers' incomes, strengthen social protection measures and improve the standard of living of ordinary citizens,” he said.

“Salary cuts are not an economic solution; Reducing workers' incomes weakens consumer spending, reduces economic activity, and undermines national recovery efforts.”

Mr Goundar said reducing salaries would do little to address the root causes of rising fuel prices and global inflationary pressures.

“It is a measure that would punish workers while doing little to address the root causes of rising fuel costs and global inflationary pressures.”

He said if Government was facing fiscal challenges, it should first consider other options.

“If the Government is facing fiscal challenges, it must first explore alternative measures, including improved revenue collection, elimination of wasteful expenditure, greater efficiency in public administration, and stronger economic growth initiatives,” he said.

“Workers' wages should be the last area considered, not the first.”

The union was responding to comments made by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during the Cakaudrove Provincial Council meeting on Wednesday, where he said salary cuts may be considered and that he would work on calculations provided by the Minister for Finance.

Mr Goundar called for transparency and consultation before any decisions affecting public servants were made.

“We call upon the Government to ensure full transparency and meaningful consultation with workers' representatives before any consideration is given to measures that affect the livelihoods of public servants,” he said.

“We will oppose any proposal that seeks to balance national finances at the expense of ordinary workers and their families.”

Mr Goundar said the FTU stood firmly with civil servants and workers throughout the country.

“The solution to economic challenges is not to make workers poorer.

“The solution is to build a stronger economy while protecting the dignity, rights and livelihoods of the people whose labour keeps the nation functioning every day,” he said.

“Workers must not be made to pay for a global crisis they did not create.”