14 Jul 2004

Niue MP says cutting workers wages is fine if Ministers lead the way

4:00 pm on 14 July 2004

A Niue Opposition MP says the Government should not consider cutting public servants wages unless Ministers accept a corresponding reduction.

The Finance Minister, Toke Talagi, says the government, as it has done in the past two years, is considering reducing workers hours as it tries to cut the deficit.

He says a 32 hour week or a nine day fortnight are some of the options being considered.

MP O'Love Jacobsen has no objection to such cuts but she says the leaders have to set the standard.

"although they are policy makers and decision makers, the people who do the bulk of the work are out there in the field, so it is only fair if Government is looking at reducing that it is reduced from above"