AMENDMENTS to a major law could see civil servants taking home an annual cash reward of BD300 for being exemplary workers, despite the government urging Parliament to curb excess spending.
Newly-elected legislators will later this year vote on amendments to the 2010 Civil Service Law to give awards every January to employees who deliver an exceptional performance, are never late to work and take not more than five days of sick leave a year.
Civil Service Bureau (CSB) officials had informed MPs in April that the award would require the government to set aside a huge amount, while outstanding performance was already being rewarded. However, MPs disregarded the warning and unanimously voted in favour of the move, forcing the government to draft the proposal into a formal legislation.
There are more than 30,000 civil servants currently employed in ministries and government bodies and it will cost around BD9 million if all employees receive the reward.
“Every government employee should be punctual and productive at their workplace,” the Cabinet said in a written explanation. “However, an outstanding worker will also be more creative, innovative and forward-thinking,” it added.
“Currently, we select the best employees who are rewarded BD200 each and the chosen candidates constitute just two per cent of the workforce in ministries and government bodies.
“We hope there is a rethink on the parliamentary proposal that is open to all civil servants and doesn’t follow set requirements or standards for eligibility.”
The Cabinet also warned that the proposal, if approved, would drain the national exchequer.
“The funds could be directed towards developing workplaces and elevating employees’ contributions,” the Cabinet said.
“The government has been entrusted to manage public coffers in the best way possible without spending excessive amounts. There is a particular budget that sees wages and allowances being paid to match work, with the exceptional civil servants being rewarded.
“This proposal, if approved, would see the reward given to those who are not actually outstanding. MPs have based their legislation on coming to work and leaving on time, or not being sick. We believe, the reward should be based on employees’ contributions.”
The Cabinet added that amending the law just deprives the government of the flexibility to determine genuine contenders through an independent committee.
“The proposal means that an outstanding employee who came up with innovative ideas could still lose the reward if he fell sick unexpectedly or had an issue on particular days,” it added.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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