EMPLOYERS in the formal sector are still paying workers the minimum rate of $4 when they actually have the ability to pay more, says Fiji Local Government Officers Association (FLGOA) president Rouhit Singh.
“When we say that our terms of reference for the minimum wage is to review wages in the informal sector, we in the trade unions and representing local government offices, I have seen that most municipal councils use the minimum wage of $4 to pay the workers,” he said.
Mr Singh said if the Lautoka City Council was paying a public convenience cleaner $4, and another council was paying a parking meter attendant the same $4, “where is the balance in that”.
“I have seen many employers, under the pretext of compliance that the minimum wage is to be followed, paying a minimum wage in the formal sector when there is ability for them to pay more.
“When we the unions negotiated with the employer, they would not give us more than 5 per cent, but if the minimum wage is enforced by the Government, then they (the employer) would say it is in compliance because the Government is making the legislation.”
Mr Singh said the minimum wage review covered workers in ten sectors, however, he questioned in which category a municipal council worker who was a carpenter, grass cutter or street sweeper fell.
“There should be a separate wage sector for these kinds of workers, otherwise the equation does not balance,” he added.
National Minimum Wage Review consultant and USP academic Dr Maureen Fatiaki acknowledged Mr Singh’s contribution and said they would consult the unions through the Fiji Trade Union Congress (FTUC),” she said.
