The Ministry of Employment has confirmed that the recently announced minimum wage increase to $5.00 per hour will not impact employees who are already earning above this rate. Minister Agni Deo Singh emphasized that the wage adjustment specifically targets workers earning below the new threshold. He also mentioned that any potential future increases above this amount will be left to the discretion of individual employers.
Singh stated, “The minimum wage of $5 is applicable to all workers, whether unskilled or skilled. It is mandatory that no worker is compensated below this rate.” For those in specific sectors where the minimum wage is set higher, such as shop assistants earning $5.54, employers already meeting or exceeding this wage will not be required to implement additional increases.
Additionally, foreign workers paid below the minimum wage will benefit from this new rate, affirming that the same wage standards apply universally to all workers in Fiji, regardless of their nationality. Singh added, “The terms and conditions of work in Fiji apply equally to all workers, and compliance with minimum wage regulations is a priority.”
The Ministry is committed to investigating any wage law violations and has encouraged workers to report instances of non-compliance. This assurance highlights the ministry’s dedication to upholding fair wages across all industries.
In light of this wage increase, there’s a hopeful outlook as it reflects the government’s ongoing effort to support low-income workers and ensure living standards remain sustainable amid rising costs. The commitment to compliance monitoring may further enhance the economic well-being of workers and foster a more equitable workplace environment in Fiji.
Leave a comment