Fiji minimum wage hike needs formal review: Finance Minister

Fiji's Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel has emphasized that any move towards an $8 minimum wage must follow a proper review process. While acknowledging the understandable desire for higher wages to benefit workers, Immanuel stated that implementation requires assessing the broader impact on jobs, businesses, and the economy.

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If you read the statement. It’s good to have $8, but there’s a process to reach that, and we have to consider all views as well.

The Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) is actively pushing for the $8 hourly minimum wage, arguing that current rates are insufficient given the rising cost of living. FTUC National President Daniel Urai called for a living wage framework that truly reflects the cost of survival in Fiji, ensuring workers can afford basic necessities like housing, food, healthcare, and education.

Immanuel clarified that the government is not dismissing the proposal but stressed the necessity of a structured process. "The minimum wage has to go through a process. So there has to be a review, and if that’s needed, we’ll have to do a review," he said, adding that all views must be considered.

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The minimum wage has to go through a process. So there has to be a review, and if that’s needed, we’ll have to do a review.

The ongoing debate highlights a growing divide between labor unions advocating for urgent reform and the government, which prioritizes balancing wage decisions with economic stability and employment risks. The government maintains that any wage adjustment needs a formal review before consideration.

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That is why I call for the introduction of the living wage system, a wage that reflects the true cost of living, assuring that every worker can afford decent housing, nutritious food, health care, and education for all children.