Zezinho to 247: "government is open to unions to discuss decree"
Secretary of State for Planning, Budget and Management, José Sobral, explains the most controversial points of the government decree that instituted the policy of spending cuts in the administration; he confirms the removal of some bonuses and the suspension of overtime pay and vacation accrual, but denies changes in the payment of the Grae (Special Compensation for Special Activities) for the police; Zezinho also informs that vacant positions will be eliminated and says that salary adjustments for civil servants cannot be discussed while the State is at the limit of the Fiscal Responsibility Law.
Valter Lima – Sergipe 247 – Given the uproar surrounding the government decree that instituted spending cuts at the state level and the resulting reaction among public employees, Sergipe 247 contacted the Secretary of State for Planning, Budget and Management (Seplag), José Sobral, to better understand how the measures work and to provide some clarifications.
In a brief email interview, the secretary explained that the bonuses to be eliminated are those "granted according to the convenience and opportunity of the manager." He confirmed the prohibition on overtime pay and the sale of vacation days, but rejected any changes to the Event Performance Bonus and stated that there will be no suspension of police officers' leave. He also affirmed that he is available to the unions to clarify the measures.
Check the interview in full:
Sergipe 247 - Unions have raised questions about the government decree that formalizes a series of cuts to generate savings for the state. What, effectively, is being removed in terms of bonuses for civil servants? Is there a ban on overtime and the sale of vacation days?
José Sobral - In terms of cuts, the decree stipulates that 20% of discretionary bonuses will be removed. That is, those granted according to the manager's convenience and opportunity. Another measure was, indeed, the prohibition of overtime and the sale of vacation days. Therefore, employees must work within their regular hours and take their vacation time in full.
247 - What changes are planned regarding the Grae payment for military personnel? Are there also plans to suspend and/or purchase licenses for military and civilian police officers?
JS - There are no changes. The Grae (Special Regime for Special Activities) has been established and expanded. And there is no suspension or purchase of licenses. On the contrary, the sale of these licenses has been prohibited, and police officers must enjoy them in full.
247 - Sintrase stated this week that the decree puts positions in the direct administration on the path to extinction. What does the decree actually stipulate in this regard?
JS - What it foresees is the elimination of positions that become vacant, similar to what already occurs in the Federal Government and in other States.
247 - Unions are already considering legal action to prevent potential losses. Is the government afraid that this type of action could jeopardize its spending cuts?
JS - The Government of Sergipe, through the State Secretariat of Planning, Budget and Management (Seplag), is available to the unions for any clarifications, as well as to discuss any points that may be changed in the decree. We have already met with the unions representing military police officers and dentists to discuss these measures.
247 - Given the evolution of state finances, is it possible to talk about a salary adjustment for civil servants in 2014?
JS We cannot promote any type of action that would increase spending given this prudential limit situation under the Fiscal Responsibility Law.