The Fijian Government has increased the wage rates of the 10 Sectoral Wages Regulations in its commitment to accord Fijian workers their right to a just minimum wage under the Fiji Constitution.
The increased rates which range from 2 to 5 per cent will come into effect on 1st July, 2015.
The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Hon. Jioji Konrote said the Fijian economy has achieved an unprecedented growth rate in the last five years, with an estimated growth for 2014 revised to 4.5 per cent and 2015 forecasted as 4.3 per cent. With our buoyant economic conditions, it was important for Government to ensure that Fiji’s workers receive the benefits of the growing economy.
He adds that the increase is a necessary step taken by Government in its effort to ensure that Fijian workers are accorded decent wages, decent working conditions and social protection.
The Minister today encouraged employers to engage in good-faith employment relations with the workers, according them with their rightful wages and benefits, thus ultimately achieving higher productivity and sustainable businesses.
Employers are required to display the written notice of the increased wage rates in their workplaces informing the workers of the increase.
These notices can be obtained from the various Ministry of Employment offices around Fiji. Failure by employers to display these Regulations warrants a $100.00 penalty by the Ministry’s Enforcement Officers.
In an occurrence where an employer fails to comply with the fixed penalty notice, on conviction is liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or both, and for a corporate body a fine not exceeding $50,000.
The 10 industries expected to see an increase in wage rates include, Printing Trades, Wholesale & Retail Trades, Hotel & Catering Trades, Garment Industry, Sawmilling & Logging Industry, Road Transport, Building & Civil & Electrical Engineering Trades, Manufacturing Industry, Mining & Quarrying Industry and Security Services.