A COMPREHENSIVE study is being undertaken by Government to review hourly wage rates with the aim of determining wide-reaching pay rises, including in the National Minimum Wage (NMW).
According to a Government statement issued yesterday, the review was first announced in the 2018-2019 National Budget address by Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
“This is far more than just a review of the National Minimum Wage; after this review is completed, tens of thousands of Fijians earning hourly rates will stand to benefit from new wage rises,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
“Whether you are a bus driver or a garment worker, waitress or a construction worker, or any Fijian earning a set hourly wage in this country, you are part of the engine that drives the Fijian economy, and you deserve a fair and responsible review of your wage rate.”
“That is what we’re delivering. This review will both help determine the next rise in hourly wages, and ensure that our major industries remain a stable and growing source of employment for the Fijian people.”
Government will be using international experts to oversee the review, which will include nationwide consultations with both workers and employers, as well as input from the International Labour Organization.
The 10 sectoral wages will each be examined separately to determine their respective rises. The review will be led by Parveen Bala, the newly-appointed Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations.
