THE Isle of Man was accused of operating a “two-tier” pay policy for government employees when it was claimed that some senior staff in government will receive pay rises whilst the majority of employees have had a pay freeze.
Michael MHK David Cannan accused the government of being “selective” in its pay policy during today’s sitting of the House of Keys.
“I understand that incremental pay increases will be given to some members of government staff on April 3, including the Post Office. How can this be justified when there is a universal pay freeze for all other staff?
“We now have a two-tier system. If you are unfortunate enough to be a government employee whose job specification does not include incremental increases then you receive nothing.”
He added, “If there is a government pay freeze surely it should be fair and equitable to everyone. Would it not be fair and proper that it affects every government employee and not, as in this case, the minority whilst the majority receive nothing.
He was supported by Onchan MHK Peter Karran who suggested that during the current economic climate there should be a policy of “we are all in this together”. He added, “If there are no increases for the ordinary members of staff then there should be no increases for anyone, across the board in all sectors.”
Chief Minister Tony Brown said the government policy was “absolutely clear” and had been clarified in the budget. “It has been spelled out on numerous occasions . . . there is no increase in salary budgets and any increases have to come out of already agreed salary budgets.
“However, there is a duty to terms and conditions of employment. If those conditions involve incremental increases then we have no option but to honour those obligations.”
He added, “This pay freeze is not selective. It is quite clear - any pay increases can only be made from within existing budgets and there will be no additional money for salaries. The chairman of the Post Office, the vice chairman and the board members have my full support.”
