Teachers Get New Allowances from TSC
“In light of recent developments, teachers and civil servants currently serving in interim administrative roles throughout the Pacific region are set to receive long-awaited allowances for the duration of their service.”
This policy change marks a significant departure from the status quo, in which educators served as Senior Teachers, Senior Masters, Deputy Headteachers, Deputy Principals, Headteachers, Senior Headteachers, Principals, and Senior Principals for extended periods of time without formal confirmation or remuneration.
The approval of these allowances is a huge relief, especially for those who have faithfully performed these interim obligations for more than six months. This excellent development follows the defeat of a contentious bill that sought to deprive these committed workers their due compensation.
The bill was dismissed on the grounds of unfair labor practices and discrimination against these educators.
Given these recent events, it is critical to take into account the findings of the National Assembly Labour Committee, which were presented in their comprehensive report on the Public Service Commission (Amendment) Bill of 2023. Because the measure appears to contradict both constitutional principles and the Employment Act, the committee has stressed the importance of modifying it.
One of the committee’s main suggestions is that an officer be allowed to serve in an acting capacity for a maximum of 12 months before the job is declared vacant and filled through a competitive selection process.
As a result of this regulation, anyone who exceeds the 12-month time limit will no longer be eligible for acting allowances, guaranteeing more transparency and fairness in the allocation of these allowances.
Furthermore, Section 37 of the Employment Act, No. 11 of 2007, expressly recognizes and formalizes the concept of appointing an employee in an acting role, providing a legal framework for the practice.”