Bala meets ILO rep on pay review
Parveen Bala has met the International Labour Organisation representative as part of ongoing discussions on the review of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and across Fiji’s 10 sectoral wages.
The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations met the Director of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Office for Pacific Islands Countries, Donglin Li.
“It was to see how we can work together and support each other in terms of moving forward,” Mr Bala said.
“The FijiFirst Government has been very mindful of the workers’ rights and we will continue to do that. The Government has agreed to review the minimum wage rate, but also another 10 sectors.
“We want to do what is best for Fijian workers.”
CHALLENGE
Mr Donglin said that the challenge was not only in creating job opportunities, but also promoting decent work opportunities. “Under the ILO agenda and also the Sustainable Development Goal 8 it is to promote decent work and economic growth,” he said.
“A decent job means the employers must provide the adequate income for workers so that’s why we are going to review the minimum wage rate and consider raising it next year.
“Also, this should cover the employers to provide a good working environment for workers.”
Mr Li said social protection for workers should be provided also. He said that workers should have a voice in the decision-making process.
“From ILO side, we support harmonious labour relations to promote social dialogue between employers and workers to produce and to form harmonious relationships to help productivity.”