New minimum wage rates to be implemented and enforced by the 30th of this month

The government will begin the implementation and enforcement of the new minimum wage rates both for the formal and informal sectors from the 30th of this month.

Minister for Employment Jone Usamate highlighted that the new national minimum wage of $2.68 will greatly benefit about more than 150,000 marginalized workers in the informal sector.

Usamate says the government has promised the Fijian people on the increase of minimum wage rates during the announcement of its 2017‑2018 National Budget of July this year and this has transpired today.

He says all employers are reminded to adjust their books and payrolls accordingly prior to the implementation date.

The Ministry of Employment will explain the new National Minimum Wage and the different increases in the ten sectoral wages and other terms and conditions of employment.

Usamate says they now have created 14 project positions as Enforcement Officers to assist in the enforcement of the new minimum wage rates for both the formal and informal sectors and other minimum terms and conditions of employment.

He says government will need collaboration and partnership from all employers to effectively implement these changes and he appealed to all private and public sector organisations to honour their corporate social responsibilities and provide workers their fair and just dues under the labour laws.