Maldives Health Professionals Union (MHPU) has expressed concern over disparities in official working hours among health sector employees, as government agencies observe four-hour working days during Ramadan.
In a statement, the union noted that civil service employees have been transitioning to a new employment structure since 1 November. The terms and conditions for those moving into the new structure are governed by the National Pay Framework, which sets out employment standards for Civil Service Commission (CSC) employees.
According to the union, under the state pay framework that came into force on 1 May 2022, employees who migrated to the new structure are designated to work eight hours a day, six days a week.
However, the union said some employees are working six hours a day and five days a week under government concessions, while others, particularly certain categories of health workers continue to work eight hours a day, six days a week despite receiving equal pay and holding similar employment conditions.
“Certain categories of health workers are working eight hours a day and six days a week. This is a gross discrimination against employees who are paid and employed on an equal footing,” the statement said.
The union argued that such disparities run counter to the non discrimination principles outlined in the Employment Act.
While the President’s Office has announced four-hour official working days during Ramadan, the union said some health workers are required to work between six and eight hours, alleging that hospital authorities have enforced these schedules, creating tension among staff.
MHPU said health professionals already operate in environments with significant safety and health risks, and unequal treatment in working hours adds to their psychological burden.
The union has called on the Pay Commission to introduce appropriate allowances for employees required to work more than four hours during Ramadan.
