Delay

The new rate was to have come into effect as of 1 July 2021.

However, in a statement yesterday SNPF said, “That having considered the ongoing ramifications of the global Covid-19 pandemic on our national economy and the ability of certain businesses to make ends meet - The Fund has again decided not to enforce compliance to the 10% minimum member and employer contribution until 1 July 2022.”

“This does not affect those who have already changed or are willing to change earlier to the 10% minimum,” the provident fund said.

Both Fiji Airways and Samoa Airways hired versions of the Boeing 737 MAX, which were grounded in March after two fatal crashes.

The plane's manufacturer, Boeing, this month acknowledged a new software issue with the MAX, but would not say how or if it would affect the plane.

Samoa Airways said it was monitoring developments with the MAX, and that it was finalising options to replace the 737-800 it had leased.

Fiji Airways said it had been in regular contact with Boeing and that it had confidence in the manufacturer to fix the problems.