WAGE regulations will be a key focus of the Wages Councils as they engage chambers of commerce members across the country.
Engaging employers in Sigatoka this week, Employment and Industrial Relations Minister Agni Deo Singh said the councils were gathering feedback on suggestions on the current regulations.
“The Wages Councils consist of a common chair and representatives from both employers and workers in each sector, and decisions are made through consensus,” Mr Singh said.
He said the recent minimum wage review involved a panel of local consultants.
“As a result of the wage review conducted, a one dollar increase in the sectoral minimum wage was implemented in two tranches (50 cents per tranche) to allow employers time to adjust,” Mr Singh said.
“The current minimum wage for unskilled workers is $5 per hour as of April 1, 2025.
“Sectoral wage has also been increased similarly. Employers already paying above the minimum wage are not required to increase wages further but are free to do so if they wish.”
Mr Singh said through the review of the Employment Relations Act 2007, breaches of the International Labour Organization conventions would be addressed, with a focus on collective bargaining and freedom of association, and to update the law to meet current needs since it was enacted in 2006.
“The ERA review involved extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including chambers of commerce and employer and workers’ organisations.
“The process is designed to be democratic, open and consultative.
“The Government is actively working to establish and regulate minimum wages through the Wages Councils, with a focus on consensus-building and stakeholder consultation.”
