The Fiji Trade Union Congress (FTUC) is advocating for the reinstatement of a tripartite board to manage the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), emphasizing the need for equal representation from government, employers, and workers on the board. Felix Anthony, the FTUC General Secretary, has pointed out that such a structure was effective for decades and aligns with recommendations from the International Labor Organization (ILO), which has persistently urged the government to ensure proper management of the workers’ superannuation fund.
Anthony’s call comes as discussions around the national budget are underway, where he stresses the need to prioritize workers’ needs, particularly highlighting the exertion of increased economic pressures due to the current VAT rate of 15%. The FTUC is advocating for a reduction in this tax to alleviate the cost of living for ordinary Fijians, an issue that continues to burden many workers who are often engaged in multiple jobs just to meet their basic necessities.
He also pointed out that many employees earning below the tax threshold of $30,000 are inadvertently subjected to taxation through VAT, which still impacts their finances negatively. This reinforces the argument that wage levels and taxation structures need to be revisited to better support the working population.
In the context of ongoing wage discussions, previous articles have underscored that the current minimum wage of $5 per hour is insufficient given the rising cost of living. Consequently, the FTUC is hopeful that these budget considerations will lead to a substantial increase in wages, helping to combat growing poverty levels and improve the quality of life for workers.
The discussions around the FNPF and the national budget reflect a growing awareness and advocacy for workers’ rights in Fiji, with hopes for systemic reforms that prioritize worker welfare, potentially transforming the economic landscape into one that supports both productivity and fairness across sectors.
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