Department split over promotions
Tension between professionals and administrative officers in the Environmental Protection Department is rising over proposed restructuring that might allow little room for professional staff to be promoted to top ranks.
A union representing the environmental protection officers is seeking reinstatement of a separate director's post, assumed by the permanent secretary since a merger between the department and policy bureau in 2005.
The merger, aimed at strengthening policy formulation, has left most top posts in the hands of the administrative officers, including the director's post.
The union says the new restructuring that would make the head of the Environment and Energy Bureau a directorate officer rank D8, would make it impossible for the professionals, who can attain a highest ranking of D3, to become director.
The number of deputy director ranks would also be cut from four to three under the reorganisation.
'It effectively eliminates any chance for our ranks to reach the top and will make our posts less attractive to talent dedicated to environmental protection,' said Alan Yim Ho-leung, head of the 500-member Chinese Civil Servants' Association Environmental Protection Officers' Branch, after a meeting with Environmental Protection Department director Anissa Wong Sean-yee.
Mr Yim said a separate director could also give independent expert advice to the permanent secretary and avoid politicisation of green issues.
Since the 2005 merger, Mr Yim said they had been experiencing a culture clash with the administrative officers who, the union said, were less committed to environmental protection, as they were rotated regularly.
A department spokeswoman said yesterday they appreciated staff concerns and would continue dialogue with the union.
