Norbert U. Hofschneider said it is unfair to suspend the within-grade increase for government employees with civil service eligibility, while those working for the municipal treasury and the gaming commission continue to receive a “staggering” amount of annual pay, ranging from $70,000 to $78,000 a year.
These amounts, he added, are “unreasonably high” while many of those who have been in the civil service for 20 years receive $20,000 or less annually.
Some of them, Hofschneider said, are even ready to retire but are still stuck with their low salaries.
“So, where is justice there?” he asked.
If the austerity measure is really necessary, Hofschneider said the Tinian leadership should cut by 20 percent the salaries of gaming commissioners and municipal officials.
The money that will be saved, he added, can be used to fund scholarships, medical referrals and other public programs
“I am seeking justice here,” he said.
Tinian Mayor Ramon M. Dela Cruz, in a separate interview, said he does not support the Fitial administration’s proposal to cut the working hours of government employees.
He also noted that the salaries of the Tinian gaming commission officials are set by law and the mayor’s office cannot interfere with the current rates.
For his part, Tinian municipal treasurer David Maratita said imposing austerity on his office is something that only the Tinian leadership could address.
