The new pay rates were supposed to come into effect today
SUVA, Fiji (Fiji Times, Dec. 31, 2008) – The new Wage Regulations Order will come into effect in February, says the chairperson of the Wages Council, Father Kevin Barr.
The order was supposed to come into effect tomorrow but Fr Barr said the short time allowed on the consultation resulted in the deferment.
He said the order would be "gazetted in January but come into effect on the first day of February, 2009, after some amendments and corrections have been made".
The council and the business community were at loggerheads over pay increases for several sectors.
The business community had warned that some operators would be forced to close as they would not be able to meet proposed pay increase.
This stand-off after the National Wages Council approved pay increases for nine industries, including garments, printing, building, hotel and catering, security, road transport, saw milling and...