FTUC calls for $8 living wage to lift families out of poverty

We call for a living wage of $8 per hour to achieve a decline in the poverty rate.

This has been highlighted by the Fiji Trades Union Congress in their submission for the 2025-2026 National Budget.

FTUC says they do not believe the justification to keep the minimum wage well below the poverty line is to save jobs.

They say this is a tired argument that has been debunked many times by credible research over the years.

FTUC says while this may still be below the poverty line, they believe this may be a good place to start and that a review be undertaken annually with a view to ensuring a living wage where no one should earn below the poverty line and enjoy a decent standard of living.

They also request budget allocations be increased to the Ministry of Health and Ministry for Education for the elimination of NCDs to promote healthy living.

FTUC says advertisements and promotional campaigns must be monitored where snacks and soft drinks are being promoted at an early age for children.

They stress there must be intensive and meaningful campaigns to reduce NCD-related deaths, starting at root causes.

The Union also says many epidemics are being announced such as dengue fever, HIV, drugs, and NCDs already in the top statistics for Fiji.

They say the state of medical facilities is also a concern and citizens should not be made to buy medicine.

FTUC says despite government making amends, this still continues and this is why they seek from the government to currently look into Aspen and hospitals in Navua, Nadi, Lautoka and Sigatoka in particular.

They also say an ordinary citizen cannot afford insurance for health or life and this must be looked into to address this gap.

The Union says overseas treatment is only possible for the grassroots if their fundraising is successful and those who can afford insurance are able to do so through insurance.

FTUC further says there has been a lot of staff departures from the civil service and they are calling on the government to explore methods for retention of staff.

They also request that the FNPF Act be reviewed to revert to a tripartite structure where equal number of representatives should be appointed from the workers' organisations, employers' organisations and the government.

They have also highlighted that the revitalisation of National Training and Productivity Centre as the sole provider for vocational training is welcomed and they hope that government supports this to ensure workers with skill qualifications for the local market is the core of their training.

They further say the review of Fiji’s labour laws which has been delayed for 16 years, must be finalised urgently to uphold workers’ rights.

They say despite agreements signed with FTUC, ILO, and employers, progress remains stalled as employers continue to delay reforms citing consultation issues.

FTUC is urging the government to allocate budget support to ensure the completion of this exercise in a timely manner.

They have also highlighted that issues at the Water Authority of Fiji remain unresolved, and the workers terminated in 2019 still awaiting justice.

They are urging the government to allocate budgeted compensation, similar to the Vatukoula strike case, as previously promised.

FTUC is also calling for urgent amendments and gazetting of Wages Regulation Orders, with budget support for Wages Councils meetings.

They say enforcement of labour and OHS laws remains weak due to a lack of trained inspectors and legal power and adequate funding is needed for manpower, training, and awareness on workers’ rights.

The Union adds the government must lead by promoting union membership and education on ILO conventions and labour laws.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance will announce the 2025-2026 National Budget next Friday at 10am.