The new $5.00 minimum wage rate is sustainable for families and businesses.

This was reiterated by Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh.

He acknowledged that while some workers have pushed for rates as high as $7.00 to $10.00 per hour, the government’s decision strikes a balance between improving workers’ wages and ensuring business sustainability.

The increased $5.00 minimum wage follows a previous adjustment from $4.00 to $4.50 per hour, which was implemented on the 1st of August 2024, with employers given a six-month preparation period for the upcoming change.

Speaking to Fiji One News, Agni Deo Singh says they are here to ensure every workers are offered equal and decent pay.

“We believe that we are here to see that our workers are paid decent wages, living wage, while we are not able to fully meet the recquirments that would probably be sought by the workers representatives, we also have considered the economy, and the submissions from the employers that this review we take it to $5.00 and above”, Singh said.

Singh acknowledged the concerns of workers, stating that while their demands for higher wages are understood, the government believes that the $5 per hour increase is the most appropriate step given the current economic conditions.

“There are workers that are saying that it should be increased to $7.00, $8.00, some are saying $10.00. There are others who might be representing employers who might say that it is not sustainable. We have done a very balanced approach in terms of considering the cost of doing business, as well as the take home pay for workers that will be helpful in sustaining their family’s basic needs”, Singh said.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing the new wage rate, stating that the Ministry of Employment will continue to ensure compliance across all sectors.

“We are asking all the employers to please comply with the minimum wages, and I do acknowledge those employers that are already paying their workers above the threshold”, Singh said.

He noted that while the Ministry could not fully meet the wage demands of workers, the $5.00 rate represents a fair and sustainable increase.