SALARY REVISION OR SALARY REDUCTION?

LATELY, we have been hearing a lot of talk about salary revision from different quarters including from our responsible ministries. The point of concern right now is that whenever the word “revision” comes up it is not always in the best interest of all workers. Some employees are satisfied with the little increases being made, but for most the “revision' means getting less.

Let's look at some of the “revision” that is being talked about today. If you talk to any nurse they would rather have the arrangement they had before the so-called “revision” than what they have now. This is because previously the more they worked the more money they got. The overtime was a reward for the long hours they had to endure. Every government agencies is now replacing overtime pay and giving every-one an allowance instead. This is being done without taking the entry point into consideration and this has become the bone of contention for many in the civil service.

The Head Teachers, for example, are due to be placed on contract. This is now a big  dilemma for our Head Teachers. Those who were getting less are satisfied with the changes but for many it means getting around SR500 less. And for them it does not make any sense whatsoever. The latest casualties seem to be the journalists. They have suddenly found out that they are earning less than before with the salary revision.  It is not clear what is really going on or what is being actually revised. Are people being punished or is the government trying to readjust its own expenses and making others pay for the fat salaries the politicians have given to themselves recently?

Whatever the reasons, it is causing a lot of frustration among the civil servants and while many were looking forward to salary revision, now the mere mention of the word gives one enough cause for worry.

One word of advice, before you sign anything make sure you know what you are getting into and please do read between the lines, it might just save you a lot of money and plenty of unwanted hassle.

June 13, 2008
Copyright 2007: Seychelles Weekly, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles