In a bid to raise staff morale, increase productivity and improve service delivery, the Nasinu Town Council yesterday announced a 10% pay increase for its 76 staff.

Council chair Felix Magnus also said the workers would receive a 7% backdated payment for 2023 and both payments would be made next month.

“Having joined the council at the beginning of the year, we noticed that the morale of the workers was very low,” he said.

“So, considering all the factors, we decided to start in-house by capacity building and looking after our much deserving workforce.

“We hope that this pay raise will bring back the morale that we want. We want a workforce of committed workers.”

Mr Magnus explained the reasons behind the pay increase.

“These workers have worked tirelessly over the years, come rain or shine, ensuring our streets are clean and our community is well-maintained.

“This pay raise is just a token of appreciation for the hard work and dedication they have committed to the community of Nasinu.”

Fiji Trades Union Congress assistant national secretary Attar Singh said the pay increase would help alleviate the financial burdens of workers.

“I’m sure this is to bring about some relief and also a morale booster for the workers, the members of the union,” he said.

“We want to assure the council and the administrators that our members will commit themselves fully to carry out the work of the council, to deliver services to the ratepayers as required, and to bring in the required discipline to make sure that work is done on time.”