A recommended and proposed wage increment got the full support of the public during the launch of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) Consultation.

The launch was conducted by Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Parveen Bala at the Civic Centre in Labasa yesterday.

Mr Bala said this was an important national exercise that was following the recent announcement by the Acting Prime Minister and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

“National Minimum Wage consultations mark the delivery of this Government’s promise to put into place and honour a national minimum wage mechanism,” he said.

“Prior to the Bainimarama Government, there was no set procedure or process, or guarantee of a periodic review, and the implementation of a national wage.

“It is important for people to understand that the minimum wage needs timely review since worldwide inflation has increased significantly, including lack of raw material, exorbitant freight costs and all other associated costs that have increased due to the pandemic.

“As part of the consultation process, we will continue to take the views of our people (especially the employers, investors, stakeholders) to ensure wider consultation is conducted throughout Fiji.

“The National Minimum Wage sets the minimum of payment for labour which is based on supply and demand, skill sets, many employers pay well above this minimum wage as this is the nature of the capital market,” he said.

Mr Bala added that it is important that all stakeholders also factor productivity as the key growth that will bring in greater returns to both employers and workers to propel the Fijian economy faster along its path to recovery post-pandemic.

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