Govt open to $8 living wage proposal: PM

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Government could pass the Fiji Trades Union Congress’ (FTUC) proposed $8 hourly living wage without it needing to be funded immediately, but any increase must still be factored into the new budget.

“There’s no reason why we should not consider it and even pass it without having to go into the funding list, and that will have to be incorporated into the new budget,” Mr Rabuka told reporters in Suva yesterday.

He acknowledged the FTUC campaign for the national living wage but said the Government’s ability to keep up with the increase also had to be considered.

The FTUC pushed for the $8 per hour living wage at its 51st Biennial Delegates Conference in Nadi early this month, calling it a necessary step to lift workers out of poverty. The current minimum wage stands at $5 per hour.

However, the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) and the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry have strongly opposed the move, warning it would place further strain on businesses.

FCEF chief executive Edward Bernard said demanding a new wage system at this time was “not good faith” on the part of the FTUC.