The Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations and Youth and Sports, Parveen Kumar Bala, held a series of nationwide National Minimum Wage public consultations with communities, employers, stakeholders, and workers of Labasa this week.
As part of the consultation process, Minister Bala stated that the Ministry of Employment intends to listen to the views of Fijians, particularly employers, investors, stakeholders, and workers so that Professor Partha Gangopandhyay can prepare his report.
“This will ensure that the views of our stakeholders are included and assist us in the calculation of the new national minimum wage. This is not a political exercise, in fact the work towards the new national minimum wage started in 2019, unfortunately, due to the effects of the pandemic in 2020, it had to put us on hold, and there was no sense for us to continue with the review. Now that we are in the path of economic recovery, it is time for us to discuss and this consultation is a process to ensure fair and just wages for all”, Minister Bala said.
Furthermore, Minister Bala said that it was important for the people to understand that the minimum wage needs timely review since it is a set minimum pay for labour. Based on supply and demand and skills set, many employers pay well above the minimum wage of $2.68 for unskilled workers.
“It is also important that all stakeholders should factor in productivity which is the key to growth in Fiji’s economy which will bring in greater returns to employers and workers. This will definitely prepare the Fijian economy to grow faster along its path to recovery.”
Minister Bala also urged all Fijians to make use of this opportunity and make relevant submissions, rather than making comments after consultations are closed.
“The Fijian Government will work with all its stakeholders to ensure that workers get their dues and that will continue in good sense and good will in ensuring that all stakeholders interest are met,” said Minister Bala.
Consultations for the Recommencement for the National Minimum Wage are now underway. Consultations were held in Labasa and Savusavu on 28 February and in Nausori on 01 March. Consultations are currently underway in the western division from 02 to 04 March and in Suva on Saturday, 05 March.