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Governor orders freeze on hiring, increments, and
promotions until further notice
Governor Togiola Tulafono says the American Samoa Government needs to plan for the rest of fiscal year (FY) 2008 and fiscal year (FY) 2009 as the pending 50-cent escalator clause is set to take effect on May 25. Therefore, he has issued a general memorandum announcing a freeze on all ASG hiring, promotions, and increments until further notice.
The Governor has informed ASG Treasurer Gaea Perefoti Failautusi, Budget Director Magalei Logovi’i, and Human Resources Director Mageo Ieti Malu of the personnel freeze and his request for departments to submit personnel data for his review.
“I respectfully request your review of the data which will be gathered in order to determine the effect of the next minimum wage increase on ASG operations,” said the Governor.
Togiola wants to know how many ASG employees will be affected by the increase; how much ASG can expect to pay out in increased wages; what effect the increased wage bill will have on current FY 2008 budgets and proposed FY 2009 budgets; and what adjustments will need to be made to our system of employment to compensate for any projected shortfalls owing to the minimum wage increase.
Regarding the freeze, the Governor explained, “I have issued this action in order to determine the effect of the next increase in minimum wage on American Samoa Government operations.”
He added, “All pending hiring, promotion, and increment actions will be processed through the normal channels and will be held in the Office of Program Planning and Budget Development until such time as the freeze is lifted.”
In addition, all departments are advised to review their personnel rosters for the implementation of the next 50-cent minimum wage increase. Togiola wants each agency to prepare a report listing their personnel that will be directly affected by the clause, and the increase in their personnel budgets, respectively.
The freeze however, will not affect the teacher reclassification legislation which was approved by the Fono earlier this month and is currently being reviewed by the Governor. The legislation sets teachers’ salaries between $7,737 up to $35,000 based on certification and qualifications.
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