The Housing Department's contract staff could face a pay cut of up to 30 per cent following a pay review. According to media reports last night, the authority's finance committee is expected to discuss the review findings, compiled by a consultant hired by the department, at a special meeting on Monday morning.
It is understood the review has found the department's 1,100 contract workers are being paid about 10 to 30 per cent more than those in similar posts in the private sector.
The consultant has recommended their pay be reduced accordingly to match market rates from next financial year.
Those in the middle and upper positions of the organisation will face the biggest pay cut. For example, the salaries of architects and engineers will fall 30 per cent from $73,600 to $51,520 a month.
Pay for those at the lower end of the pay scale, such as clerks and office assistants, will be cut by 10 per cent from $6,820 to $6,138, while the executive grade, who earn $108,000, will lose 8 per cent.
The consultant also recommended the present cash allowance for contract workers be discontinued, though other benefits, such as medical, would remain.