The Fiji Trade Union Congress (FTUC) is advocating for the government to prioritize workers’ needs in the upcoming national budget. They emphasize the importance of addressing essential issues such as living wages, rising living costs, and the governance of the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF).
Felix Anthony, the FTUC General Secretary, highlighted that the current minimum wage of $5 is insufficient to alleviate workers from poverty and called for a transition to a living wage. He mentioned that many workers in Fiji continue to struggle to maintain a decent living standard, stating, “What we would like to see is a living wage in Fiji, where workers do not need to struggle or compromise their standard of living.”
The FTUC also urges the government to fulfill its promise to compensate workers from the Water Authority of Fiji who were terminated in 2019. Anthony reminded them that the Minister for Finance had pledged in the last budget address that those workers would receive compensation, despite it not happening yet.
The FTUC anticipates that the upcoming budget will introduce significant measures aimed at safeguarding worker welfare. This call for attention to labor issues aligns with ongoing discussions within the FTUC about enhancing labor laws and ensuring that wages reflect modern economic realities. Previously, concerns were raised regarding the inadequacy of the minimum wage in the face of rising living costs, a sentiment echoed in earlier discussions.
Amid these challenges, there is hope that through collective advocacy and ongoing dialogue, more equitable and just labor conditions can be developed, fostering a better environment for all workers in Fiji. Such efforts could lead to a more supportive economic landscape where employees feel valued and secure in their contributions.
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