Workers struggle when prices rise but pay remains unchanged, CRC hears

Every time Fiji faces a crisis, food prices rise but workers' wages remain unchanged.

That was the concern raised by Joe Valenisoro of Vanuadina, Tokatoka, Tailevu, who is calling for constitutional protection to guarantee pay increases for workers whenever the country experiences a crisis.

Making his submission to the Constitution Review Commission (CRC), Mr Valenisoro said ordinary families were often the hardest hit when the cost of living increased during difficult times.

He said prices of basic food items and essential goods tended to rise whenever Fiji faced a crisis.

"This leaves workers struggling to keep up with everyday expenses," he said.

Mr Valenisoro believes the Constitution should include provisions requiring wages to increase alongside the cost of living during such periods.

"People are suffering when prices go up, but their pay remains the same," he told the commission.

He said many workers were finding it increasingly difficult to support their families as the costs of food, transport and other necessities continued to rise.

Mr Valenisoro also urged Members of Parliament to consider the financial pressures facing ordinary Fijians and support measures that would provide greater protection for workers.

He said a constitutional guarantee for pay increases during times of crisis would help families cope with rising costs and ensure workers were not left behind when economic conditions worsened.

The submission was made during the CRC's consultation today as part of the ongoing review of the 2013 Constitution.