Gov lifts freeze on pay hikes and contract to career conversions

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In an order dated Monday this week, Gov. Lemanu Palepoi Sialega Mauga informed cabinet directors that the freeze on pay increases and conversion of positions from contract to career service is lifted.

The governor in a memo last month ordered the roll-back of pay adjustments made without justification in the budget as well as converting contract workers to career service employees without going through the merit process — since Jan. 1, 2019 to the present.

In his memo Monday, the governor said a portion of his first memo imposing a freeze of all pay increases and conversions of positions from contract to career service is rescinded.

“Any future pay increases or conversions are expected to be conducted in accordance with the law and policy of the American Samoa Government,” the governor ordered.

He also ordered that any employees, including directors, who participated in or authorized unlawful pay increases or conversions will be held accountable.

Lemanu said he expected Human Resources Department and the ASG Personal Advisory Board to “strengthen our procedures to prevent unauthorized actions in the future.”

Also on Monday this week, the governor reconstituted the ASG Personnel Board and appointed seven-members: Malopao Dr. Akenese Nikolao (chairman), Ta’ita’ifono Otineru, Lemala Thompson, Sereima Asifoa, Renee Leotele Togafau-Mata’utia, Martin Tufono, and Komiti Emssley.

Lemanu said this board is responsible for carrying out duties and responsibilities set forth in the law. And pursuant to provision of the law, Human Resources director Lynn Pulou-Alaimalo, is the executive secretary by virtue of her position.

According to local law, the board’s primary responsibilities are to:

•     investigate and make recommendations for improvements to the governor with regards to the manpower resources requirements, needs and development of ASG

•     develop programs designed to improve effectiveness of government employees’ performance and discharge of their duties and responsibilities;

•     investigate personnel problems in government and report to the governor their findings and recommendations

Another provision of the law states that the DHR director assists the board in investigating problems in the government.

The governor’s two memos were released yesterday afternoon by the Governor’s Office. Samoa News notes the roll-back has been the subject of Fono hearings following concerns raised by lawmakers.