Minimum Wages

But with the same token, Government is not oblivious to the fact that any rise in the hourly wage is primarily up to the private sector, said Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi.

“There is a lot more to this than meets the eye,” elaborated the Prime Minister.

“Any raise in the minimum wage is dependent on private sector’s ability to absorb it among other related issues. In making such a recommendation, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labor (MCIL) take into account what government can afford, and especially the private sector.”

American Samoa's Congresswoman Aumua Amata Radewagen's office says a deal has been worked out with the local tuna companies that will provide some increase in the minimum wage but not the 50-cents that had been set.

Behind-the-scenes negotiations have been going on for weeks, forced by objections to a complete moratorium from Georgia, which is home to a rival tuna processor.

Congresswoman Radewagen made a tearful plea to the House.