Monday, 11th May 2026
The Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) firmly stands with the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) in strongly opposing the living hourly wage rate of $8.00 proposed by the Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) during their 51st Biennial Delegates Conference over the weekend.
The Chamber echoes the concerns and positions articulated by FCEF, which reflect the economic realities faced by businesses across Fiji, including those in the Nadi business community.
“Demanding a new wages system in an economic climate where businesses and even the Government are struggling to survive and continue to employ workers is not acting in good faith,” said Mr. Lawrence Kumar, President of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“We fully support the measured and evidence-based position put forward by FCEF and urge all stakeholders to approach this matter with the economic well-being of Fiji at heart.”
Fiji’s minimum wage has already risen by 115% since 2015—from $2.32 to $5.00 per hour—representing an 86.6% increase in just the past three years alone. This makes Fiji’s wage growth among the highest in the world.
Notably, Fiji’s current minimum wage already exceeds Papua New Guinea’s by over 60%, despite PNG’s GDP being four times larger. Any further drastic increase must be carefully weighed against Fiji’s unique economic challenges.
The NCCI shares FCEF’s concern that FTUC’s call for an $8 living wage must be balanced against pressing national challenges, including low productivity, widening skills gaps, high youth unemployment, and rising costs of freight and production inputs.
The World Bank has cautioned that Fiji’s economic growth could fall below 3% unless the country urgently strengthens reforms, improves productivity, and rebuilds fiscal discipline.
As recognised by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the establishment of a living wage must explicitly take into account country circumstances and ensure enterprise sustainability. In many comparable jurisdictions, including New Zealand, a living wage is not compulsory. NCCI urges that any review of wages be structured, transparent, and informed by economic realities and genuine consultation—as called for by Prime Minister, the Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka.
NCCI remains committed to advocating for a business environment that supports sustainable growth, fair employment, and the long-term prosperity of the Nadi region and Fiji as a whole. We call on all parties to engage in balanced, evidence-based dialogue for the benefit of all Fijians.
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