Recently, Fiji’s National Wage Commission approved increasing wages in nine industries including garments, which will take effect from January 1, 2009.
Garment factory workers have the lowest wages. The new wage in the garment industry is increased by 20% compared with the old wage of US$1.48.
In addition to increased wages, garment workers should also receive other benefits. For example: dining subsidies should be increased to provide good childbirth treatment for pregnant women.
It is clear that raising worker wages will benefit the garment industry. The current wage income of garment industry workers is below the poverty line (currently FJ$164/week). Fiji’s garment industry has declined in recent years due to a lack of quotas. We want the apparel industry to survive and find better ways to thrive.
