THE Fiji Labour Party says the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission has “dealt a staggering blow” to the pockets of low income workers with the seven cents per stage bus fare increase announced yesterday.
Former prime minister and party leader Mahendra Chaudhry issued a statement denouncing what he said appeared to be an “arbitrary and rushed decision” to increase fares by February 10.
He said low-income workers made up the vast majority of those commuting by bus.
“Most of these low income families are already struggling to make ends meet,” Mr Chaudhry said.
“A seven cent increase per stage, bringing it to 75c for the first stage, will be an enormous cost increase for them.
“This must be weighed against the fact most of our workers have received no pay increases in recent years and the national minimum wage remains stuck at $2.68 per hour which is way below poverty line wages.”
Mr Chaudhry said FCCC chief executive officer Joel Abraham’s announcement was “shocking” considering that barely two weeks ago he made it clear that he would not be rushed into a decision on increased fares sought by bus operators.
“The decision lacks transparency and we believe the commission did not follow the due process in reaching this determination.”
In announcing the fare increase, Mr Chaudhry said the FCCC chief executive officer claimed he had carried out “a robust and independent analysis of submissions made by bus operators and widespread consultations with the travelling public”.
“But we have seen no advertisements calling for public submissions on the matter.
“So how did the commission carry out the public consultation?”
