08 September 2011
PAFSO has requested a meeting with senior management to discuss DFAIT’s recent decision to cancel both the FS-03, EX-02 and EX-05 competitions. Although we recognize that the current economic climate requires all departments to manage their budgets carefully, it is long past time to address the shortage of FS-03s at level. Many of our members have been in acting assignments for years, and the cancellation of this promotion exercise means that they could wait several more months or years to be recognized for their substantive contribution to the Department. Furthermore, the new EC/CO pooling system means that our members must compete for FS-03 assignments with other groups deemed to be at an equivalent level. The Department’s decisions have implications for the career progression of all its members.
PAFSO is committed to working with DFAIT to ensure that our members are appropriately recognized and compensated for their hard work, and that the integrity of the FS group is respected and maintained during the Strategic Operating Review process. We will keep you informed of the outcome of our discussions.
PAFSO Executive Committee