Wages Council Begins Consultations with Sigatoka Chamber of Commerce

The Wages Council, under the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, has launched its first round of consultations with the business community, beginning with the Sigatoka Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking at the opening of the session, Minister for Employment, Hon. Agni Deo Singh, said the consultation aimed to raise awareness of the Wages Council’s role in setting minimum wage standards for various sectors.

“This is the first formal engagement with a Chamber of Commerce since 2012,” Minister Singh noted. “The Wages Councils consist of a common chair and representatives from both employers and workers, and decisions are made through consensus, taking into account a range of economic and social factors.”

He added that the recent national minimum wage review was conducted by a panel of experienced local economists who consulted extensively with workers, grassroots communities, and business representatives.

Following the review, the government introduced a sectoral wage increase of $1, implemented in two phases — 50 cents per tranche — to help employers adjust. As of 1 April 2025, the national minimum wage for unskilled workers now stands at $5 per hour.

“Employers who already pay above the minimum wage are not required to raise wages further but are free to do so if they choose,” Minister Singh said.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to reform the Employment Relations Act (ERA) 2007. The review process, he said, is designed to be transparent and consultative, involving Chambers of Commerce, employers' groups, and workers’ organisations.

“The aim is to bring the law in line with current realities and address breaches of International Labour Organization conventions, particularly around collective bargaining and freedom of association,” Singh said.

He reaffirmed the Coalition Government’s commitment to upholding international labour standards and ensuring fair wage regulation through consensus and dialogue.