Politics = employment in Palmas

The new state government, elected in October, was inaugurated on New Year’s Day. A tumultuous period always follows, where thousands of people lose their jobs due to their ‘connections’ with the previous government. These connections can range from direct involvement in the party politics, or volunteering in the campaign, to companies involved in the production of the campaign, despite not being affiliated to any party. It also trickles down to ridiculous levels, such as chauffeurs, police officers and teachers.

Around 16 000 people lose their jobs and the result is a free for all of calling in favours and calling on friends, relatives or vague acquaintances in favour with the new government to ask for their names to be mentioned. Everyone wants to work for the state, despite the regular upheaval.

Given Sonia’s proximity to various people, she is constantly being asked for help, from both sides – people looking for a job want her to put in a good word, and the ones filling the roles look for her recommendation. The result is constant phone calls and endless visits.

The previous government neglected to pay December’s salary for all government employees, and have also done a superb job of emptying the state funds while helping out as many of their friends as possible. A rush of promotions occurred before they left government, frequently completely unjustifiable, guaranteeing these newly promoted employees high salaries in the new government. One employee was promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant Colonel, a leap of 6 positions, in one single day. For a guy who is an MP and hasn’t worked for the police for 10 years.

This all left the new government on a sticky wicket and with no funds. They resolved to pay December’s salaries in 3 monthly instalments, but were overruled by a judge and have to pay in January.

However, the salaries for the new staff have been slashed. One man who left his job of $8000 RS to move to Palmas for a salary of $11 000RS had his salary cut to $6 500RS. Other people in longstanding positions are often earning significantly more than their higher management.

There remain a lot of people still waiting to see if a job will be found for them, and much of this depends on who ‘indicates’ them, and what ‘connection’ they had to the last government – as far as I can see, actual ability or any of the traditional criteria for employment are irrelevant.

I understand the urge to help out people you know – family, friends, ex-colleagues. But often these recommendations have no basis beyond the family connection, or having a mutual friend. And they come at the cost of someone who is well qualified and thoroughly deserving of a position.

On one visit to the Federal Police Station to sort out my documents, as soon as the agent learned of Sonia’s previous role he began shamelessly begging her to help his wife get a better job. He gave her his number, then in private flattered me in a macho, shoulder punching way before pleading me to ensure he is not forgotten. In a bar after a few beers I may have expected it, but this was at his desk, surrounded by colleagues, in a Federal Police Station.