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An urgent proposal, introduced by Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman MP Khalid Bu Onk and supported by four other MPs, was unanimously approved yesterday and referred to the Cabinet for review.
It seeks to ensure that government employees receive either full financial compensation for overtime work, or are granted compensatory rest hours, before these are forfeited upon exceeding the maximum annual leave limit of 75 days. It also calls for the prompt disbursement of all due allowances, incentives, and promotions.
Mr Bu Onk said that the proposal was prompted by complaints from public sector employees who claim they are required to work beyond official hours but are subsequently denied their rightful compensation.
“There are employees who dedicate additional hours and effort to serve their institutions, only to find that neither the financial compensation nor the compensatory rest is ultimately granted,” he said. “In effect, they have worked overtime for free.”
He explained that under the current system, compensatory hours are often added to an employee’s annual leave balance. However, when the balance exceeds the maximum allowable limit, and the employee is unable to take leave due to work requirements, the excess days are lost and cannot be carried forward to the following year.
Mr Bu Onk warned that ignoring the issue could eventually affect productivity and institutional performance.
“When employees feel that their rights are protected, performance improves. When they feel exploited, motivation collapses,” he said.
The proposal emphasises the need to strike a fair balance between the operational needs of government bodies and the rights of employees, particularly those required to remain on duty during peak periods or staff shortages.
“We are not asking for new privileges,” he said. “We are asking for the proper application of existing principles of fairness and equity.”
Mr Bu Onk said swift Cabinet action was now needed as ‘every delay means more lost entitlements and deeper frustration.’
“We hope the government will treat this issue with the seriousness it deserves,” he added.
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