Government will begin the implementation and enforcement of the new minimum wages rates both for the formal and informal sectors from September 30, 2017.

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Jone Usamate highlighted that the new national minimum wage of $2.68 would benefit more than 150,000 workers in the informal sector.

“The FijiFirst Government has promised the Fijian people on the increase of minimum wage rates during the announcement of its 2017-2018 National Budget of July this year and this has transpired today,” Mr Usamate said.

“All employers are reminded to adjust their books and payrolls accordingly prior to the implementation date,”

The Ministry of Employment will also publish details in the dailies and organize a roadshow to fully explain the new National Minimum Wage and the different increases in the ten sectoral wages and other terms and conditions of employment.

“We now have created 14 project positions as Enforcement Officers to assist in the enforcement of the new minimum wage rates for both the formal and informal sectors and other minimum terms and conditions of employment,” he said.

“Government will need collaboration and partnership from all employers to effectively implement these changes.”

In this regard, he appealed to all private and public sector organisations to honour their corporate social responsibilities and provide workers their fair and just dues under the labour laws.

Copies of the Employment Relations (National Minimum Wage) Regulations 2017 and the Wages Regulations 2017 for the 10 sectoral industries can be obtained from the Government Printer or from the Ministry’s website:  www.labour.gov.fj

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