DPSM, civil servants lock horns on COVID-19 risk allowance

The two sides are divided over the definition of ‘frontline worker’ with the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM) arguing that these are workers also classified as ‘essential service’ whose absence could result in loss of life or danger to the public from COVID-19.

Unions, on the other hand, say frontline workers include everyone from ambulance, theatre, intensive care services, hospital and ward services to those working in kitchens, hospital laundry, potable water services, waste water management, scientific services, counselling and many others.