GOVERNOR General Sir David Vunagi has suggested the abolition of the ‘non-established workers’ salary levels in the Public Service and also a review of the Public Service General Orders which he labelled as anachronistic.
Sir David made this suggestion in his 2024 New Year’s Address over the national broadcaster – Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC).
He said public servants who are the backbone of the government workforce continue to grapple with salary, housing and other conditions of service and though he is not qualified to say this but believes that after 45 years from independence, the country continues to use anachronist terms and levels.
“By now, I believe no one in the Public Service should be called non-established workers. In view of that, it is not too much if I am at liberty to suggest that Levels 1,2 and 3 in the Public Service be abolished.
“The stating level should be at Level 4 and I think even the General Orders are anachronist and are subject to review.”
Sir David said the result of classifying people as ‘established’ and ‘non-established’ workers is what the country sees in the majority of its population in the rural areas.
“They continue to grapple with poor living conditions and open defecation is an example,” he added.
The Governor General also used his address to highlight the plight of the country’s teaching workforce.
He said teachers are a group of professionals who continue to serve this nation without being duly recognized.
“They demand fair pay, better class sizes and fair workload. The salary and other conditions of service are nowhere comparable to that of other public officers.
“I do not condone teacher absenteeism, but I think poor salary and other poor conditions of service had forced them to be casual about their duties,” Sir David said.
Sir David said he hopes the newly passed Education Bill will improve the conditions of service for teachers.
By IAN LADDS
Solomon Star, Honiara