The Fijian Teachers Association will now start talks with the Public Service Commission to demand a 7 percent Cost of Living Adjustment increase for civil servants, which they have been claiming from last year.
General Secretary Maika Namudu said the prices of basic food items continue to increase and the Interim Government needs to restore the 4 percent pay cut and make the necessary COLA increases.
The Fiji Bank and Finance Sector Union is also negotiating with a number of employers on COLA payments and wage increments.
General Secretary Pramod Rae said they have settled for limited COLA increases as most businesses which employ their members are also facing financial difficulties.
He added that the Interim Finance Minister and Prices and Incomes Board should relook at the formula on which they give the go ahead for price increases.
Rae said the profit margin for businesses should be reduced so that consumers do not pay more for essential items.
Audio 3
He added that government should also allow for wage increases.
It’s bad news for consumers as the price of Flour and Sharps will increase from today. The Prices and Incomes Board stated that the increase is due to the increase in the cost of imported wheat.
The Board said Wheat prices increased due to strong demands after a severe drought affected the Australian wheat production, which is one of the world's leading wheat exporting countries.
The increase will see Flour prices going up by six cents to $1.20 per kg, whereas a 4 kg pack which used to cost $4.74 will cost $4.98 from today while the 10kg Flour price will be $12.16 compared to the previous price of $11.58. As far as the prices of Sharps are concerned, the new price will be $1.21 per Kg which is a 7 cents increase 4Kg costing $4.77 yesterday will cost $5.01 from today while the 10Kg bag will cost $12.24. The old price was $11.65.
Unions Want COLA Increases
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