The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority paid salary increments to more than half of its workforce during the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2019.
This is revealed in ASTCA’s second quarter performance report.
It states that, “ASTCA began a company wide review of salaries and provided increments to more than half the workforce during the quarter. In addition, many employees were reclassified and received pay raises that reflected the greater skill and responsibility required of their positions.”
This comes at a time when ASTCA is seeking more funding from ASG and when there’s a freeze on pay increases and increments for the rest of the government workforce.
ASTCA’s second quarter performance report even states that it’s operating in the red and is having difficulty paying debts.
“Financing needs for the transformation program was underestimated by about $4 million and therefore additional external funds must be identified to finish the program and also settle legacy debts,” says the report.
“Since ASTCA has not yet fully monetized its investment in new capabilities with new revenue streams, ASTCA finances continue to operate in the red.”
“The lack of funds affects ASTCA in several negative ways including bad relations with vendors who remain unpaid and impatient, lack of working capital for normal operations, difficulty in preparing new products for launch, everyday squeeze across the board, and daily distractions for senior management.”
The report says ASTCA’s head count as of April 30 was about 175.
The Fono approved budget allows for 194 positions and ASTCA intends to increase its staff above the present level in the months ahead as it readies for increased activity associated with the launch of new initiatives in the marketplace.
ASTCA hired a new Director of Sales during the second quarter and has restructured Sales, Marketing and Customer Service.
A new Customer Service Manager was appointed as a result of a lateral promotion.
Customer Service has an objective “to offer five star excellent service.”
The Marketing Manager was freed to focus more on marketing due to the two new appointments.
