Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, has confirmed that there will be no increase to the minimum wage in the upcoming budget. However, he indicated that this subject will be open for discussion in the future. This announcement comes in response to the Fiji Trades Union Congress, which has been advocating for the living wage to rise to $8 an hour.
Prasad explained that the current minimum wage has been determined through extensive consultations with unions and other relevant stakeholders, and the government is committed to following this approach in any future discussions regarding wage increases. “A time will come when that has to go up,” he stated, emphasizing that the government has made significant strides on this issue over the last two years.
The National Secretary of the Fiji Trades Union Congress, Felix Anthony, expressed concerns that wage adjustments have not kept pace with the increasing cost of living, citing a campaign initiated two years ago for a six-dollar minimum wage. Anthony hopes for a reconsideration and a gradual increase in minimum wages for workers.
In response, Prasad acknowledged the role of employers and the business community in supporting the current wage level of $5, while reiterating the importance of ongoing assessments of the economic conditions influencing such decisions. The government will continuously review wages as part of its broader economic planning.
In light of the concerns raised by unions about the living wage and economic standards, it is hopeful that ongoing discussions will lead to a fair wage system that supports both workers and businesses.
The interaction between wage levels and cost of living is a crucial economic topic, and finding a balance through collaboration among all parties involved could foster a more equitable economic environment in Fiji. Such dialogue is essential to ensuring that wage policy adapts to the needs of the workforce while also supporting the sustainability of local businesses.
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