My warmest greetings as we welcome the new year!
2014 was a challenging year for the civil service, in particular, the two months or so during the“occupy movement”, which was a very demanding time for many of us. But the civil service continued to serve the community with dedication, professionalism, perseverance and a strong sense of unity. Your efforts have been deeply appreciated by the Chief Executive who has also passed on the commendations of the Central Authorities of the Country.
There is an unfinished business in 2014 which has been close to my heart as well as the hearts of all colleagues, viz. the 2014-15 Civil Service Pay Adjustment. As you are aware, the Chief Executive(CE)-in-Council made the decision on the 2014-15 Civil Service Pay Adjustment at its meeting held on 17 June 2014.(Note) The pay adjustment proposal was originally scheduled for discussion at the Legislative Council Finance Committee (FC) meeting held on 11 July 2014. Up to now, however, the FC has not yet considered the item. I would like to take this opportunity to reassure you that once FC’s approval is obtained, no matter when it takes place, we will arrange to adjust the civil service salaries and make “back-payment”to civil servants with retrospective effect from 1 April 2014 according to the CE-in-Council’s decision. Adjustments to subventions will also be made with retrospective effect. We will continue to strive for an early approval of the item.
The civil service is the cornerstone of effective governance and stability in Hong Kong. Effective governance is underpinned by our core values of commitment to the rule of law, political neutrality, honesty and integrity, objectivity and impartiality, dedication, professionalism and diligence as well as accountability for decision and actions. I am sure colleagues will continue to uphold these core values when we face new challenges and missions in the new year. I am also confident that we will continue to stay united and operate with efficiency.
As we move forward in the new year, may I wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2015!
Note: The CE-in-Council decided at its meeting held on 17 June 2014 that civil service pay should be adjusted as follows -
(a) pay for civil servants in the lower and middle salary bands should be increased by 4.71%; and
(b) pay for civil servants in the upper salary band and the directorate should be increased by 5.96%.
It was also decided that the above adjustments will take retrospective effect from 1 April 2014.