Operation

American Samoa

reduction

In American Samoa meetings at the Governor’s Office in mid- January have given a sense of urgency to the new administration’s move to trim the government workforce known as Operation Reduction in Force (RIF). RIF is geared at reducing the government’s 5400 workforce in a bid to cut down payroll costs.

As a lead up to the workforce reduction, Governor Lutali, Lt Governor Tausese Sunia and cabinet directors got a briefing on RIF procedures. Acting Attorney General Malaetasi Togafau talked on the requirements of the law and legal regulations which the government may violate in the process of laying off employees.

Acting Director of Education, Dr Salu Hunkin, talked on how RIF should be implemented without affecting employees needed to maintain the public service.

Dr Hunkin is a member of the Executive Committee appointed by the chief executive to recommend cost contain ment measures to get the government out ofits current financial crunch.