Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh, announced yesterday that additional staff will be employed to monitor employers.
“We want people to be paid fairly so that 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 of the wage increase came into effect yesterday, August 1.
This increase aims to help low-income earners cope with the rising cost of living.
Singh also noted that compliance officers need to enhance their identification processes to find employers violating the new wage regulations.
“The increase in staffing within the ministry ensures more effective surveillance of all employers,” he added.
“Employees or workers are urged to contact the ministry or other centers if they suspect wage cheating.”
The second phase of the minimum wage increase will come into effect on April 1, 2025.
The minister praised employers who are already paying their workers above the minimum wage rate.
However, he advised that workers must ensure their job performance meets required standards of proficiency.
Labasa Chamber of Commerce and Industries president, Vinesh Dayal, recently encouraged employers to comply with all laws.
As a measure to combat the cost of living, Dayal suggested 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,” Dayal said.