Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh, announced yesterday that more staff will be hired to monitor employers.
“We want people to be paid fairly so they can sustain their households after a hard day’s work,” Singh stated during his visit to Labasa.
“There will be no second warning issued to employers if they fail to adhere to the minimum wage rate of $4.50 per hour,” he emphasized.
The government’s approval to increase the minimum wage took effect yesterday (August 1).
The wage increase is aimed at assisting low-income earners to cope with the rising cost of living.
Singh added that compliance officers need to enhance their identification processes to locate employers violating this mandate.
“The increase in staff capacity within the ministry ensures effective surveillance of all employers,” he said.
“Employees or workers are advised to contact the ministry or other centers if they suspect wage cheating.”
The second phase of the minimum wage increase will be implemented on April 1, 2025.
The minister praised employers who are already paying workers above the minimum wage rate.
However, he stressed that workers must ensure their performance meets the required standards of proficiency.
Labasa Chamber of Commerce and Industries president, Vinesh Dayal, has recently encouraged employers not to bypass any laws.
As an alternative to combating the cost of living, Dayal advised the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
“This would enable SMEs to earn a reasonable income and provide more employment opportunities through new openings,” Dayal said.
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