The current minimum wage rate for garment workers in the textile industry was agreed to by the Fiji Trade Union Council, Employers and Independent representatives.
This was highlighted in a statement released today by Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Labour Industrial Relations and Employment, Taito Waqa.
The statement issued follows a comment made by Fiji Trade Union Congress National Secretary Felix Anthony early this week that Fiji garment workers today earn and live below the poverty line.
The statement revealed that components of the social wage that complement the workers take home pay which includes the exemption of income tax for those earning less than $15,600 per year; monthly allowances for destitute families, fee free education, and bus fare assistance for needy children.
Further to this he said the Fiji National Provident Fund and Workers Compensation schemes for workers, the Fijian Government has committed about $80 million this year to provide a basic social protection floor and social wages for marginalized workers and families to further reduce poverty.
Story by: Gwen Mc Goon
