Despite the concerns of the State that employers often fail to adhere to the wage regulations, there is a minimal fine set for those who would breach the new wages order which comes into force from tomorrow.
The Government gazette on the proposed wages by the Wages Council states that an employer that fails to comply with the regulation commits an offence and the penalty for non-compliance is a fixed penalty of only $100.
Chairman of the Wages Council Father Kevin Barr agrees that the fine is too low and the issue will be brought up at their next meeting before they make further proposals to increase the fine.
Meanwhile, with the new wage rate increase to be implemented in less than 24 hours, some industries say they are ready for it while others say otherwise.
Fiji Master Builders Association President and owner of Raghwan Construction, Vijay Raghwan said the increases are long overdue and adds most construction companies will not have a problem since they are already paying above the wage rate.
However, Fiji Sawmillers Association President Jay Dayal said there are so many factors affecting their industry that he cannot see how they will meet the wage increase tomorrow. Earlier this morning, Employment Minister Filipe Bole said that the wage increases will be implemented tomorrow and any variations required by companies and employers will need to go through him.
Concerns over low fine for breaching wage regulation
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