Riya Mala 
[File Photo]
Fiji Trades Union Congress national secretary Felix Anthony says the current wage levels are not sufficient to meet the rising cost of living in light of rising inflation pushing up cost of basic goods and services.
He says the major focus of the FTUC in its budget submission will be the high cost of living, which will be at the center of its proposals on this issue.
Anthony says the government needs to re-examine the current minimum wage policy and work towards progressively increasing the minimum wage in the country.
He says other areas of focus in the FTUC’s submission will include the tripartite structure of the Fiji National Provident Fund, which was previously in place.
Anthony says despite the government’s promises during the last election to restore true tripartism, this has yet to be implemented.
“I don’t believe it should take any government three years to act if they were serious about the promises they made regarding worker representation on the board and establishing a truly tripartite FNPF board. The teachers’ unions have recently raised concerns regarding the treatment of teachers, which will be included in the submission.”
Anthony is urging policymakers to engage in genuine consultation with trade unions and civil society organizations to develop a wage framework that promotes equity, dignity, and social justice.
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