Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh, announced yesterday that additional staff would be engaged to monitor employers.
“We want people to be paid fairly so that they can sustain their households after a hard day’s work,” Mr. Singh said during his visit to Labasa.
He emphasized that no second warnings would be issued to employers failing to comply with the new minimum wage rate of $4.50 per hour.
The government’s approval for the wage increase came into effect yesterday, August 1. This increase aims to assist low-income earners in affording the rising cost of living.
Mr. Singh also mentioned that compliance officers would enhance their identification processes to locate employers not adhering to the new wage rate.
“The increase in staff capacity within the ministry means effective surveillance of all employers,” he stated.
Employees are urged to report any instances of wage cheating to the ministry or other relevant centers.
The second phase of the minimum wage increase is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2025.
Mr. Singh praised employers who are already paying workers above the minimum wage rate but urged employees to ensure their performance meets the expected standard.
Labasa Chamber of Commerce and Industries President, Vinesh Dayal, recently encouraged employers to comply with all laws. As an alternative to managing the cost of living, Mr. Dayal advised the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), stating that it would create more employment opportunities.
“This would help small and medium enterprises to earn reasonable income and help more people receive employment through new openings,” Mr. Dayal said.