THE prevalence of staff absenteeism particularly on Mondays continues to be a pressing issue for most workplaces, says Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Minister Agni Deo Singh.
Mr Singh made the comment during the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Symposium held at the Tanoa Skylodge Hotel in Nadi on Friday
“I have said this before. I have said this to the unions. I want to say again that we still have a serious problem with Monday sickness,” he said.
“I get calls from construction companies. One would call me up and say, Minister, I employ 45 workers today, I have nine.”
Mr Singh also raised issues related to productivity and minimum wages.
“People are still saying that a living wage should be higher than what we are paying now.
“I was just talking to one of our investors here in this country and I was very much encouraged by the incentives. The workers are incentivised for productivity.
“I think that’s a good approach by any employer, but if anybody in this country says that they are unemployed because there is no job, they are not telling the truth.”
