As the Fijian Government begins consultations on the review of the National Minimum Wage, the Nadroga/Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry says the minimum wage rate should go up to $3 per hour as this will be fair for the businesses and the employees.
The current national wage rate is $2.68 per hour.
President, Doctor Ashank Naidu says businesses will be able to sustain this rate as they have also been impacted by COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Dr. Naidu also says business in Sigatoka has picked up after the easing of some COVID-19 restrictions but not as well as before while other parts of the Western Division are also seeing a slow increase in business activity but could do better.
He says February is always a quiet time as numerous guests go back to their countries but they expect business activity to be much better from April as tourists from Australia and New Zealand will start arriving.
Dr. Naidu says he has been hearing from hotel and resort operators in the Coral Coast that they are operating at 30 to 40 percent capacity now.
With the mini-budget expected to be announced next month, Dr. Naidu says his recommendation to the government would be to increase the price of alcohol and cigarettes but decrease the price of essential food items.
Dr. Naidu has highlighted the government also needs to consider placing more private practitioners under the COVID-19 Engagement of Private Medical General Practitioners Scheme as there are a few doctors under the scheme in the Western Division.
He adds even one doctor goes a long way to help the poor and needy people who cannot afford private doctors get medical services and at the same time, it eases the burden on government hospitals and health centres.
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