Apprentice rate

WHILE the announcement from the Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh that the Government will be implementing a substantial increase in apprentice wages is good news for the apprentices, I believe that this increase will also be a calculated risk that employers will have to mitigate.

Now those employees who are paid rates between $4 to $5 in workforce will also be expecting an increase from the employers comparing their rates with that given to the apprentices through the on-the-job training.

Employers will then have to either match or raise rates of these employees in order to maintain business operation. Many employers will prefer retaining their old guards and in order will meet the costs.

As mentioned by honourable Singh, the Government will increase the hourly wage for apprentices from the existing $2.90 by adding another

$2.98, making the total salary of

$4.98 per hour.

The minister highlights that this initiative aims to enhance training programs for apprentices, providing them with a more sustainable income during their onthe-job training and employers will have to offer better to those skilled personnel who will be responsible for the training of these apprentices on the job.

I am sure that the Government will be encouraging employers to take advantage of this initiative and invest in the development of their workforce and employers will have to a step ahead in terms of recruiting more apprentices at $4.98 and also giving a raise to those loyal who definitely won’t accept anything lower.

The staff would raise the question of rates offered to apprentices comparing to their hourly pay and before discord creeps in I believe employers should look into this matter and nip it off the bud. It is about productive management, dynamic workforce, posting profits at the end for any business.

The investment for any successful business is in their human capital.

It’s time that Fijian work force be given a rise in minimum wage rate from $4 to at least $6 per hour. Keep increasing yearly. Sure, there will be rebuttals but employees do deserve more in the Fijian workforce. Government is adamant that the increase in apprentice wages is part of the Government’s broader efforts to support skill development and create a more robust workforce is valued and the onus lies with the employers to justify the rates at their respective workplaces. Apprentices increase is valued but other staff personnel should not be left behind as well.

The verse from the Bible “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven” (Colossians 4:1) rings in my mind.

GULSHER ALI

Waiyavi Stage 5, Lautoka