FOA hits back at ‘misleading’ petition

The Fisheries Observer Agency (FOA) board has responded to a recent petition delivered by its employees and accused them of making unfounded and misleading claims.

In a letter addressed to the workers' committee, FAO board chairperson Innocencio Verde said the board and management had "been able to resolve most employee concerns dating back to its establishment in 2002."

He added: "It is not disputed that this institution was characterised by poor labour relations, with demonstrations being the order of the day. [However,] the current board, CEO and management team has been working around the clock to restore labour relations through continuous engagement with yourselves."

During a peaceful protest in August, FOA employees highlighted several grievances concerning their CEO and their work environment.

Baffled

He said the board “is baffled by the petition as it is based on frivolous and unfounded statements.”

Verde confirmed that “there are some flaws in the salary structure. The worker’s committee is aware and has been informed that the job evaluation and grading exercise will be embarked upon either before the end of this financial year or the beginning of the next financial year.”

He underlined that the board is accountable to the appointing authority, which is the fisheries and marine resource ministry.

Concerns addressed

Among the complaints highlighted by employees in their recent petition were issues around travel expenses.

"All travel expenses by the board and all job categories are budgeted for as per FOA annual plans, with all expenses aligned to activities. S&T allowances are consistently paid to all FOA employees who are assigned official responsibilities outside their duty stations. This includes the so-called 'discriminated' fisheries observers and administrative personnel."

On another complaint, Verde said that it is far-fetched to suggest that management is rarely in the office.

He added that there is "documentary evidence to show that there is no iota of truth in your ill-advised petition, which seems to target the CEO for some inexplicable reason. All correspondences are on record and in your possession, as well as that of the regional union leadership, on concerns that the Board continues to engage you on. Why are these facts distorted and whose agenda does it suit?"

Misleading

In response to claims by employees that they were forced to go on leave over the December holidays while the CEO, as well as human resources and the financial manager, did not put in vacation leave, Verde said: "This is a blatant lie. Once again, documentary proof is at your disposal."

He said the "assertion that the CEO is abusing leave days is at best misleading and unfounded."

Verde addressed questions about the CEO’s appointment, saying it was all above board.

"The fisheries minister was duly informed of this re-appointment. The CEO has personally informed the NAPWU regional coordinator and FOA management about his re-appointment. What is of great concern to the board is that it is perceived that the reappointment of the CEO needs the blessing of FOA employees."

Moreover, Verde said accusations of interference by the CEO in the process of the board of directors’ appointments were "preposterous. The worker’s committee undermines the authority of the fisheries minister as the appointing authority of the board. The CEO has no say on the appointment or exit of board members. The worker’s committee should be embarrassed by such a statement."