The National Minimum Wage review has begun this week with the launch of a nationwide survey and will continue in all divisions for a period of three weeks.
Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Jone Usamate confirms that the survey is being conducted for employers and workers, particularly those covered under the National Minimum Wage and the Wages Regulations.
He has also announced that Professor of Economics Dr. Partha Gangopadhyay will lead Government’s review of the National Minimum Wage and the ten sectoral Wages Regulations.
Usamate adds that the review will cover the economic and social impacts of the National Minimum Wage since the last review held on 1st July 2015, while a concurrent review of the sectoral wages regulations will also take place for this time period.
Dr Gangopadhyay is the Chair Professor of Economics and Inaugural Director of the Centre for Economic Policy and Modelling at the University of the South Pacific.
He has over 20 years of experience in economics research and has authored leading research publications in poverty, labour markets and employment conditions.
He recently led a workshop for Ministry officials and the 88 enumerators that will undertake the survey.
Following the completion of the survey, Dr. Gangopadhyay’s review team will conduct nationwide consultations to raise awareness on the review process and seek public participation.
All consultations are open to the general public.
