Minimum wage

Samoa Observer reports First Union Chief Executive Officer Seveaoga Saint Tomi-Setu as saying they're continuing to push for an increase in the minimum wage.

He adds they are awaiting the outcome of recent legislation introduced to allow for a bi-annual review of the minimum wage.

Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, last month confirmed that the Government will review the minimum wage, as part of its commitment to making life easier and affordable for families in Samoa..

Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi's comments follow the recent introduction of large pay increases for public servants over the next three years.

In a statement Tuila'epa said that any rise in the hourly wage was up to the private sector.

He said any rise was dependent on the sector's ability to absorb it and the key was affordability.

Tuila'epa pointed at the mandated federal minimum wage imposed by the US Congress on American Samoa some years ago that led to the closing down of the Van Camp fish processing plant.

The group, which was appointed by governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga, has held several meetings to find a unified position to present to Congress before a federally-mandated wage hike kicks in next month.

It includes represantatives of the Chamber of Commerce, canneries, the Fono and various government agencies.

One of its members, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told our correspondent that it agreed to support legislation that would continue a moratorium on any wage hike by one year.