Fiji's 25,000 public servants are facing a 20 per cent pay cut and threats
of
possible redundancy if the country's political and economic crisis worsens.
The Public Service Commission says the pay cut will take effect from
August as part of an emergency budget drawn up to stave off economic
collapse.
The Government has estimated revenue losses of $200 million and is
slashing spending across the board.
Already 4,000 workers have been laid off in key sectors such as tourism
and manufacturing.
Many of the country's 18,000 full time public servants and 7,000
contractors could also face redundancy.
Fiji media are also reporting that teachers are threatening to resign to work
overseas as many did after the 1987 coup.
Military leaders and rebel leader George Speight are still finalising the
make up of an interim government to end the crisis.
Both sides have appointed lawyers to draft a formal agreement.
© 2000 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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