A comparative study of the salary structure within the public service

Abstract

Due to financial limitations and insufficient resources to access locally expected social and economic opportunities, certain family needs cannot be met due to lack of the most important factor, adequate income. This instigated a study to identify whether the salary scale of public officers in the Maltese Public Service and who are in the lowest category of the salary classification grid is actually feasible as it is and to find out whether these employees are in reality at risk of living below poverty line. This would lead to whether they are in reality enjoying an adequate standard of living and whether they are finding fulfilment in their jobs vis-a-vis their pay. For the purpose of this study, income was based on actual salary as it is, and does not include income such as overtime or other part-time work. Inflation was taken into account to see how such individuals fared with their disposable income. Inflation plays a very important role on disposable income of low income earners. This results in a much lower standard of living for such individuals and their families. To this end, an evaluation was made on the sustainability of the pay packet against the basket of essential items. It was found out that low tier employees in the Public Service do not have an adequate standard of living, because their disposable income is not enough for their daily needs and are in reality at risk of living below the poverty line. This situation was affirmed by respondents of a questionnaire put to Public Servants in scales 16 - 20 who said that they are not given what they deserve in terms of pay, they are not enjoying an adequate standard of living and they are not finding fulfilment in their jobs vis-a-vis their pay. This matter may bring about a situation where such families may opt to lower their expenditure on certain important items in order to be able to make ends meet. This study should raise awareness to Government and Trade Unions to keep in mind employees in Category D of the salary classification grid when negotiating Collective Agreements for government employees.