The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh, announced yesterday that additional staff will be hired to monitor employers more closely.
“We want people to be paid fairly so that they can sustain their households after a hard day’s work,” said Mr. Singh while in Labasa.
“There will be no second warning for employers who fail to adhere to the minimum wage rate of $4.50 per hour,” he emphasized.
The government’s decision to increase the minimum wage took effect yesterday, August 1. This increase aims to help low-income earners cope with the rising cost of living.
Mr. Singh noted that compliance officers need to improve their processes to identify employers who breach this mandate.
“The increase in staff capacity within the ministry means effective surveillance of all employers,” he said.
“Employees or workers are urged to contact the ministry or other centers if they feel they are being underpaid.”
The second phase of the minimum wage increase will take effect on April 1, 2025.
He also praised employers who already pay their workers above the minimum wage. However, he reminded workers that their performance should meet the required standards of proficiency.
The president of the Labasa Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Vinesh Dayal, has been advising employers to comply with the law in recent engagements.
As an alternative to coping with the cost of living, Mr. Dayal suggested fostering the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
“This would help small and medium enterprises to earn a reasonable income and create more employment opportunities,” Mr. Dayal said.