I absolutely support the principle of an $8 per hour living wage and the goal of ensuring that Fijian workers earn enough to meet the rising cost of living. At the same time, I agree with the Prime Minister that moving immediately to $8 per hour may not be sustainable without a proper review, consultation and a carefully managed implementation process.
That is the comment of Minister for Information and Environment, Lynda Tabuya after comments on her supporting the increase in the minimum living wage to $8 per hour while Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka saying it is unsustainable at this stage.
Tabuya says we have to consider the current economic environment, particularly the impact of the fuel crisis and rising operating costs on businesses.
She says a sudden increase in labour costs could place further pressure on businesses, particularly SMEs, with those costs ultimately passed on to consumers through higher prices and therefore a higher cost of living.
Tabuya says her position is clear: she supports the $8 living wage as an objective, but we must have a proper review process, consult workers, employers and other stakeholders, and determine a realistic pathway and timeframe for implementation.
The Minister says we need to move together so that raising wages genuinely improves the lives of our workers without unintentionally increasing unemployment, hurting businesses or driving up the cost of living.
Meanwhile Opposition MP, Premila Kumar says the government’s handling of the proposed $8 living wage is no longer just about wages, it is about honesty.
Kumar asks whether the government was ever genuinely committed to an $8 living wage, or was this simply political messaging to give workers hope.
She says the FTUC had launched its campaign for an $8 living wage, and Minister Lynda Tabuya publicly supported the proposal and indicated that most of her Cabinet colleagues were also supportive.
Kumar asks whether Tabuya was speaking on behalf of Cabinet.
She asks what has changed, as the workers’ struggle did not change, and the cost of living did not suddenly become easier.
