German public-sector workers are demanding a pay rise of 10.5 per cent for 12 months, kicking off a new round of negotiations that seek to recoup income lost to the fastest inflation in decades.
The talks cover as many as 2.5 million employees in areas including the justice system, tax authorities, universities and childcare.
Head of the Verdi union, conducting the negotiations, Frank Werneke, noted that there were 300,000 vacancies in the country’s public sector, with people in many institutions “working beyond their limits”.
Workers’ pay is a key factor for the European Central Bank as it determines whether interest rates are high enough to bring inflation back to the two per cent goal. It currently projects compensation per employee to rise by 4.3 per cent in 2024 and 3.8 per cent in 2025.
Berlin, 14 October 2023
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Guinea-Bissau gets help with PS numbers
The Government of Guinea-Bissau has received funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) so it can computerise its Public Service HR system.
Under the proposed system, Public Servants’ absentee rates will be strictly monitored and they will be required to have a bank account into which their wages are paid.
Secretary of State for Telecommunications and the Digital Economy, Gibril Mané admitted there was a “big problem” with the Public Service wage bill representing almost 80 per cent of domestic income.
“At the moment, the Government has no information on the exact number of Public Servants we have in the country,” Mr Mané said.
Bissau, 13 October 2023
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Canadian Province to throw open pension plan
The Government of the Canadian Province of Nova Scotia wants to allow private sector organisations to join the public sector pension plan to ensure its long-term viability.
A Bill introduced into the Provincial Parliament would open up the superannuation plan to any private-sector group already with a pension plan, or any business that wanted to join it.
Minister for Finance, Allan MacMaster said expanding membership to the plan might lower the average age of contributors as a way to ensure it had enough money to cover the pension benefits for retirees.
“According to the latest annual report, the median age of active members is 48. There are currently as many retirees drawing from the plan as there are employees paying into it,” Mr MacMaster said.
Halifax,
15 October 2023
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Norway warns of ‘powerful flu season’
Norway’s State Health Institute (FHI) has warned of a tough flu season during the northern winter after more than 12,000 people had to be hospitalised because of flu or variants of COVID-19 last year.
The FHI said it was also concerned that fewer Norwegians were getting vaccinated.
In a statement, the Institute said the vaccination rate for those most at risk of serious complications from flu has fallen from 63 per cent to 59 per cent. Only 50 per cent of health care personnel had been vaccinated, down from 56 per cent.
“After several years of mild flu seasons, the virus returned at full strength last year and we are now predicting a powerful flu season this year,” the statement said.
Oslo, 18
October 2023
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Lesotho tackles transport complaints
Lesotho’s Department of Transport and Traffic has held a meeting with stakeholders in an effort to find ways to improve public transport in the landlocked southern African country.
Minister of Public Works and Transport, Matjato Moteane said public transport was the lifeblood of the economy “if it runs smoothly, safely, securely and efficiently then the wheels of the economy are also turning fast”.
“We need the smooth running of public transport, for law and order to be maintained on public roads…I believe with better technology we can solve many problems that the people are complaining about,” Mr Moteane said.
“With this technology, we can eliminate the queues and make sure people comply with the laws.”
Maseru,
13 October 2023
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Northern Ireland PS seeks new student intake
The Northern Ireland Public Service has launched its 2024-25 Student Placement Competition, offering 150 placements across Government Departments.
The scheme, now in its fourth year, offers experience for aspiring Public Servants, providing opportunities for students to put into practice their classroom learning, develop personally and professionally and undertake work which directly impacts the lives of citizens.
In turn, the Public Service also benefits from fresh views and skills and offers staff the opportunity to guide and share their professional experience to those who wish to pursue a career in the bureaucracy after university.
Paid placements are available across a range of degree areas including accountancy, architecture, communications, economics, engineering, geographic information systems, planning, ICT, surveying and science.
Belfast,
13 October 2023
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