REOs accused of instructing public servants to work overtime without pay

Shadow Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Ganesh Mahipaul, is accusing the Regional Executive Officers (REOs) in all ten (10) administrative regions of compelling workers in the various regions to work beyond stipulated hours without compensation.

In a statement, Mahipaul said it was brought to his attention these REOs are instructing public servants to work on Saturdays and Sundays after completing their full Monday to Friday working hours.

According to him, the majority of the public servants are instructed to show up at work sites and do work outside of their job descriptions without compensation.

“Politically appointed REOs must stop violating the rights of public servants and respect the Public Service Rules.”

Apparently, the issue is widespread. Specifically, said the shadow minister, REOs are threatening the regional public servants by saying the President requires their presence on Saturdays and Sundays.

Workers are being asked to “other things, clean-up activities in their respective regions, attend and perform clerical duties at various activities like the Men on Mission (MOM) hoax and to make up numbers for whatever activity the President or his Ministers may have in the various regions,” stated the Member of Parliament (MP).

REOs, permanent secretaries and heads of department of the various government departments attention was drawn to section F (Official Working Hours and Conduct) of the Public Service Rules and Government Circular No. 14/1986 dated 1986-05-28.

It was reminded working hours are Monday to Thursday – 8.00 a.m. -12.00 noon and 1.00 p.m. – 4.30 p.m, and on Friday – 8.00 a.m. -12.00 noon and 1.00 p.m.– 3.30 p.m., and these rules exist the MP is calling for an immediate end to the abuse of workers.

“Public servants are already suffering at the hands of the PPP/C Government and this was advanced with the most recent shameless announcement of an 8% salary increase. Leave the public servants with their Saturdays and Sundays unless they offer their services voluntarily.”