"Work must be valued," said the Director of the State Chancellery, Raivis Kronbergs, on the air of the Krustpunktā program on Latvian Radio 1, commenting on why ministries still generously pay allowances and bonuses despite the announced budget cuts, writes nra.lv.
He acknowledged that even a 20% bonus is a significant amount for recipients of high salaries. However, there are also those in the public service who receive "net" salaries of 1000 euros or a little more, and for them, a 20% payment for additional work or responsibilities is not such a large sum.
The funding for these payments is provided through collective agreements, savings on heating, and other expenses. Efforts are made to motivate people, including compensating for work on weekends — on Saturdays and Sundays.
"Our work in the public service does not start at eight and end at five — it is very irregular. We are asked a lot, and this is done, and it is legal," said Kronbergs.
He also acknowledged that the payments of bonuses and allowances are planned to be reduced, as significant financial resources are needed for other purposes. At the same time, Kronbergs is confident that employees need to be motivated, as there is still a high turnover in public administration, especially where there is a particular need for workforce. "If we do not motivate, turnover will continue, and we may not achieve the desired results," he added.
