FTUC condemns FNPF contribution cut and lack of worker relief

The Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) argued that workers were ignored in the 2026-2027 national budget as no immediate relief was provided while great emphasis was placed on helping businesses.

Expressing his disappointment over the budget, FTUC general secretary Felix Anthony said there was a lot of attention given to businesses while workers were ignored.

“While we recognise and appreciate the budget concentrating on investments in infrastructure and so forth, there was little there for the workers of this country.

“We are disappointed that this budget offers no new relief to workers, particularly at the time where they are suffering and have difficulty putting decent food on the table,” he said.

He said workers are not exempted from the hike in fuel prices and are suffering first hand from the rise in cost of living.

“Circumstances have changed and more needs to be done. We cannot draw comfort by Governments’ assurance that taxes will not be raised, or VAT will remain at 12.5% and that previous assistance will remain.

“The minister (Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel) has basically tried to justify assistance to workers with what was done some two years ago or even last year which was given. There have been no new wages for workers in light of the rise in cost of living.”

The FTUC also condemned the governments’ decision to reduce Fiji National Provident Fund by two per cent which Mr Anthony said only worked for employers.

“It basically means that there has been a 2% pay cut for all workers. Government alone stands to save around 30 million dollars with this cut. Workers as a whole stand to lose hundreds of million dollars collectively. More so at a time when workers are struggling to put decent food on the table.”

Mr Anthony argued the budget was heavily favoring government-owned enterprises and the private sector while the new and much needed relief for workers were not considered.