Singh: Equal pay for equal work applies to all workers

Foreign and local workers must receive equal pay for jobs of equal value under Fiji's employment laws.

This was reiterated by the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh yesterday.

"The law applies equally to all workers, whether they are foreign workers or local workers," Mr Singh said.

"People should be paid equally for the same job of equal value."

He said workers doing the same job should receive the same wage unless differences are based on skills and experience, which could justify different pay scales.

The minister's comments follow claims on social media that foreign workers receive higher pay and better benefits than locals despite having the same qualifications.

Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) chief executive Edward Bernard said local employment remains the priority despite the skills gap.

"The preference is always to employ a local," Mr Bernard said. "The priority is hiring local workers."

Mr Bernard said local workers face challenges beyond qualifications that affect employment.

"Even though if they meet the qualifications standards, it's about their ability to make sure that they turn up to work, turn up on time, and also provide quality output in the work," he said.

Mr Singh said the Labour Ministry conducts regular inspections to ensure employers meet minimum standards, including the $5 minimum wage.

He said ten wages councils determine sectoral minimum wages through tripartite negotiations between employers, workers and government representatives.

The councils set minimum benefits including wages and meal allowances for sectors such as carpentry, joinery and manufacturing.

Mr Bernard said about 740 businesses were bringing in foreign workers as of June, with Immigration processing 400 to 600 work permits monthly.