ABOUT 60 per cent of members of the National Union of Public Works face issues with unpaid overtime, says union general secretary Rajni Chand.
Ms Chand said some members were required to take time off instead of receiving overtime payments, affecting their earnings and provident fund benefits. She said the issue was particularly prevalent in departments such as the Ministry of Education and Aspen Medical, with some members also reporting problems with meal allowances.
Speaking after the union’s 26th annual general meeting, Ms Chand said the union had requested a 20 per cent pay rise in the 2026-2027 National Budget.
“But unfortunately, GWE (Government Wage Earner) workers have not received a pay increment this year,” she said.
“My message is for Government to ensure all outstanding overtime payments are settled, especially with our workers struggling with the rising cost of living.”
Ms Chand said the union’s log of claims, which outlines members’ terms and conditions of employment, remained with the Solicitor-General’s (S-G) Office.
She said the union received feedback about three weeks ago, with some clauses, including family care leave, still requiring agreement.
“The union had addressed the outstanding issues and resubmitted the document, but we are still awaiting a response from the S-G’s office.”
Ms Chand said the log of claim was last signed with the previous government in 2011.
She said the union represented more than 500 members, including hourly paid Government workers and members from Aspen Medical and the Fiji National University.
Members during the National Union of Public Works annual general meeting at the Albert Park pavilion in Suva on Saturday. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
