The 2021 Annual Paid Employment Survey has revealed a paradoxical trend in Fiji’s labor market: while employment numbers have declined, wages in key sectors have seen significant increases. According to the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, the water supply, sewerage, and waste management sector reported a remarkable 59.7 percent surge in average salaries, reaching $45,050. Additionally, transport and storage services saw a 41.7 percent rise to $36,304, while the accommodation and food service industry experienced a 37.1 percent increase with new averages of $34,122.
Other sectors, such as mining and quarrying, recorded a wage increase of 20.6 percent, leading to an average salary of $57,338, while manufacturing also saw a 29.2 percent rise. However, in stark contrast, wages for workers in financial services, insurance, information and communication, and construction have reportedly declined, indicating discrepancies in labor market recovery across various industries.
Notably, skilled agricultural and fishery workers observed an impressive 57.5 percent increase in pay to reach $19,726, while those in elementary occupations benefited from a 28.5 percent rise. This mixed data points to selective wage growth within the labor market despite the overall employment challenges posed by external factors such as the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The findings align with broader observations from previous articles indicating a reduction in the number of Fijians seeking employment abroad, due in part to stricter migration policies in Australia and New Zealand. This decline has contributed to a tightening labor market, suggesting potential stability and new opportunities for local employment.
While the challenges facing certain sectors remain, the current wage trends highlight a promising shift where specific industries are not only adapting but also offering better compensation to retain talent. As this dynamic continues to evolve, there is cautious optimism for Fiji’s economic future, provided that wage growth can be sustained and extended across various sectors.
Overall, the rising wages in selective sectors may signal a foundational shift in Fiji’s economy, paving the way for a potentially brighter and more resilient labor market moving forward.
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