No second warning: Minister warns
“The increase in staff capacity within the ministry ranks means effective surveillance of all employers,” he said.
Friday 02 August 2024 | 16:29
Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh, yesterday said additional staff would be engaged to monitor employers.
“We want people to be paid fairly so that they can sustain their households after a hard day’s work,” Mr Singh said while in Labasa yesterday.
“There will be no second warning issued to employers if they fail to adhere to the minimum wage rate of $4.50 per hour,” he said.
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Government’s approval to increase came into effect yesterday (August 1).
The increase is to assist low income earners afford the increasing cost of living.
Mr Singh added compliance officers need to step up in their identification process to locate employers breaching the instruction.
“The increase in staff capacity within the ministry ranks means effective surveillance of all employers,” he said.
“Employees or workers are advised to contact the ministry and or other centres if they felt wage cheating.”
The second phase of the increase of minimum wage will come into effect on April 1, 2025.
The line minister commended employers who have already paid workers above the minimum wage rate.
However, workers must ensure their performances in their workplaces are up to that standard of proficiency.
Labasa Chamber of Commerce and Industries president, Vinesh Dayal, in recent engagements, has encouraged employers not to bypass any law.
As an alternative to beating the cost of living, Mr Dayal advised the growth of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) business.
“This would help small and medium enterprises to earn reasonable income and help more people receive an employment with new openings,” Mr Dayal said.
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