The Samoa First Union has commended the Samoa Government for raising the minimum wage from $3 tālā to $4 tālā per hour.
Chief Executive Officer Seveaoga Saina Tomi-Setu told Samoa Observer that although they advocated for an increase of $5 tālā per hour, the Union was optimistic about the new biennial review cycle.
The new increase was announced by Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labor CEO Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling in a public notice on Friday.
Effective July 1 2024, the minimum wage increases $3.00 tālā to $4.00 tālā per hour, with an additional increase to $4.84 tālā per hour on July 1, 2025.
The notice advised private sector businesses, organizations, and SOEs to comply with the directive.
Seveaoga also expressed confidence that economic growth in Samoa, especially post-COVID-19 recovery, would lead to larger future wage increases as the current increase was based on data from 2018.
Minister of M.C.I.L., Leota Laki Sio, informed Parliament last week about consultations and procedures undertaken to review the minimum wage.
Responding to concerns from MPs about public versus private sector wage increases, Leota assured the House that changes would be announced and implemented starting July this year.
