Ads by Google Ads by Google

HR proposes repealing outdated pay scales in administrative code

ASG govt logo
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — ASG’s Human Resources Department is proposing to repeal the current ASG pay schedule and implement a new one that Gov. Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga proposes to go into effect in July this year.

This is according to a “Notice of Intended Action” posted May 19th on the ASG website - www.americansamoa.gov . “In summary, these changes will repeal outdated pay scales in the administrative code,” the notice states.

Local law mandates that “A compensation plan shall be established for the career service.” But it does not require the compensation plan to be a promulgated rule. It is the intent of the Governor to publish a compensation plan that will be in effect on July 1, 2021,” the notice states.

The provision of the regulation being proposed for repeal is A.S.A.C. § 4.0407, titled, “Pay Schedules which set pay schedule for white collar workers — known as general pay schedule; blue collar — be known as the wage grade schedule; and the teachers, counselors and principals pay schedule shall be known as the educational salary schedule.

According to the notice, interested persons who wish to submit comments or request a hearing on this matter may submit comments in person to Liupapa Avauli, Department of Human Resources A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building, 2nd Floor or by mail to A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building, 2nd Floor, Pago Pago, AS 96799 by June 7, 2021.

The Governor’s Office communication officer, Fiafia Sunia has yet to respond to Samoa News requests made late last week, for additional information on the governor’s proposal or a copy of the new proposed pay schedule.

Because this this a regulation change, the proposal is not subject to being introduced in the Fono as a bill, but lawmakers still have the opportunity to conduct committee oversight hearings, as has been done over the years, when it comes to such issues.

Samoa News shared the notice with some lawmakers seeking comments, and two of them said they are interested to learn more and will send official requests to the Governor’s Office or DHR. And the two lawmakers plan to request committee hearings when the Fono convenes in July for the Second Regular Session for the 37th Legislature.

Meanwhile the Lemanu Administration has already publicly announced plans of a new entry level salary for public school teachers with degrees: Associate of Arts (AA)/Associate of Science (AS) degree holders at $20,000; Bachelors degree holders at $31,000; Masters degree holders at $41,000; and Doctorate degree holders at $50,000. (See Samoa News edition May 10th for details.)

The governor also announced during a cabinet meeting last month the intent to raise the lower level salaries from $12,000 up to $15,000 or $16,000 and also includes raising each salary level until the increases reach the director level. (See Samoa News edition Apr. 14th for details.)