The $2.68 minimum wage rate is not enough to feed us, to clothe us and to take care of our family.
Those were the words of SODELPA candidate Lynda Tabuya during the launch of SODELPA's manifesto in Nasinu.
Tabuya says that the Minister for Employment Jone Usamate who also grew up in the informal settlement of Wakanisila in Kalabu is not being fair when he says that $2.68 wage rate is enough.
Tabuya says that yesterday the Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum visited Mark One Apparel and United Apparel and told the workers that if the minimum wage rate is increased, many of them will lose their jobs.
Tabuya says that Sayed‑Khaiyum is creating fear when he says this.
The SODELPA candidate also claimed that there has never been any study to say if the wage rate is increased people will start losing their jobs.
She adds that if the wage rate goes up, people will work hard and become more productive.
Tabuya told their party supporters that she is there to fight poverty which she was also a victim of while growing up in Wakanisila.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General said during Straight Talk that pay increase is essential but it needs to be done responsibly.
He adds that all other wage councils need a review of their wages.
He says they have announced in the next 18 months there will be a full review of the wages councils and they will then decide on the wage rate.
Sayed-Khaiyum says when it comes to National Minimum Wage Rate; there should not be any exceptions.
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