A total of 72,000 workers will benefit from Fiji’s National Minimum Wage of $2 per hour which is now in effect since the 1st of this month.
This said Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Jone Usamate as he reminds employers to adjust their workers’ wage levels and employment conditions.
Usamate said the adjustments should be made to comply with the National Minimum Wage Regulations and the Employment Relations Promulgation 2007.
He cautions employers not to pay below the National Minimum Wage Regulation rate of $2 per hour and encourages employers to adopt a productivity-based performance system.
The minister reiterates that on the spot fine of $100 will be issued if employers refuse to follow any part of the National Minimum Wage Regulations and further penalties will be issued upon breach of the Regulations.
On conviction, an employer is liable to a fine of $20,000 or two years imprisonment or both.
The National Minimum Wage rate of $2 will cover all employers in the informal sectors, including employers in the formal sectors not covered under the 10 current Wages Regulations Orders (WROs).
Story by: Gwen McGoon
