The Fiji Trades Union Congress has launched Fiji’s first-ever call for a National Living Wage of $8.
Speaking on the FTUC Campaign on National Living Wage, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said this was an important national conversation.
“Government welcomes constructive dialogue that seeks practical and sustainable solutions to improve the lives of workers and their families,” Mr Rabuka said.
“We may not always agree on every issue, but what matters is that we continue to engage respectfully, openly, and in good faith. That is the spirit of democracy.
“That is the spirit of partnership. And that is the Fiji we are building together.”
Meanwhile, Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya had earlier told the Trade Union Leaders Planning Symposium in Nadi on Friday she was supportive of the FTUC Campaign on National Living Wage.
“We can talk about subsidies and tax breaks for employers, but the worker cannot be avoided,” Ms Tabuya said.
“The union movement in this country advocated for the minimum wage, and it happened.
“Keep doing it. I support tomorrow’s launch. I know I won’t lose my job over this because there is a majority of candidates who feel the same way.
“This is not a small task, but it is a task for our generation, and it cannot be done by government alone, by youth alone, or by employers alone.”
