Directive for Aggressive Implementation
- Heads of all national government ministries, bureaus, offices, and agencies are mandated to systematically and vigorously apply the merit increase program.
- This directive aims to prioritize rewarding the most deserving government employees based on performance.
Budget Allocation
- The Minister of the Budget is tasked to allocate additional funds, specifically doubling the originally budgeted amount for merit increases in the year 1980.
- This allocation is charged against the Salary Adjustment Fund.
Review and Liberalization of Merit Increase Criteria
- The Minister of the Budget and the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission are to jointly review existing rules and regulations.
- Their goal is to broaden and liberalize the criteria governing merit increases to enable faster and more ample recognition of job performance.
Prohibition of Pre-Retirement Salary Increases
- Salary increases must not be granted on the basis that the employee is nearing retirement to manipulate higher retirement benefits.
- Specific criteria to prevent "pre-retirement" increases will be established by the Minister of the Budget and the Civil Service Commission Chairman.
Merit Increase Committees and Procedures
- Each government ministry, bureau, office, or agency is required to form a Merit Increase Committee.
- This committee evaluates merit increase proposals and recommends them to the agency head for approval.
- All merit increase proposals must be publicly posted to allow officials and employees to raise opinions or objections before approval.
Appeals Mechanism
- The Civil Service Commission Chairman will establish a system for employees to appeal decisions related to merit increases.
Limitations on Carryover of Merit Increases
- Merit increases granted at a lower position will not automatically transfer when the employee is promoted to a higher position.
- The Minister of the Budget and Civil Service Commission Chairman will define exceptions where merit increases can be carried over.
Methods of Recognizing Good Performance
- Good employee performance may be rewarded by any of the following:
- Granting a merit increase.
- Promotion to a higher position.
- Both merit increase and promotion.
Formulation of Implementing Rules
- The Minister of the Budget and the Civil Service Commission Chairman are jointly responsible for drafting the implementing rules and regulations necessary for this Letter's execution.