Wage-Setting Must Be Based on Evidence and Social Dialogue, Says Employment Minister

The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Hon. Agni Deo Singh, says Fiji's wage-setting system must remain evidence-based, transparent and developed through genuine social dialogue to ensure workers and employers are treated fairly.

Speaking at the conclusion of a three-day Fiji Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) Workshop on the Minimum Wage System, Occupational Coverage, Labour Force Survey Analysis and Coordination between the National Minimum Wage and Wages Councils, Minister Singh said the review process was an important step towards strengthening Fiji's labour market institutions.

The workshop, facilitated by the International Labour Organization (ILO), brought together representatives from government, employers' organisations, workers' organisations and technical experts to examine Fiji's current wage-setting framework.

Minister Singh said wage policies should be guided by facts, consultation and careful assessment of impacts rather than assumptions.

"Wage-setting must be evidence-based, transparent, nationally owned, and developed through genuine social dialogue. Good policy should be based on facts, consultation and careful assessment of impacts rather than assumptions," he said.

Discussions during the workshop focused on Fiji's National Minimum Wage, the role of Wages Councils, occupational coverage, compliance arrangements and the findings of the 2024 Labour Force Survey.

Participants also examined issues relating to wage adequacy, occupational classifications, enforcement mechanisms, institutional capacity and how miscellaneous and professional occupations are treated within the current wage-setting system.

Minister Singh said the discussions were particularly relevant as Fiji continues to respond to rising living costs, labour mobility challenges, skills shortages and changes in the nature of work.

He said the workshop reaffirmed the important role of Fiji's Wages Councils while identifying opportunities to strengthen coordination between wage-setting institutions, improve compliance and ensure wage protections remain relevant in a modern labour market.

"Our shared objective is to build a wage-setting system that is fair, transparent, responsive and sustainable — one that protects vulnerable workers, supports productive enterprises, promotes decent work and contributes to inclusive economic growth," Minister Singh said.

He thanked the ILO, the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation, the Fiji Trades Union Congress and all participants for their contributions, describing the workshop as an important milestone in Fiji's ongoing efforts to strengthen labour market governance and align wage-setting practices with international labour standards.

The outcomes of the workshop are expected to help inform future discussions on Fiji's wage-setting framework and support efforts to ensure wages remain fair, sustainable and responsive to changing economic conditions.

Duavata News (Fiji) PTE LIMITED © 2024

☏ 3317438

📧 editor@duavata.news