Sadly, at a time in Fiji’s history and when many thousands are struggling to put 3 proper meals on their tables daily, our honoured Members of Parliament, justify majority pay increases.
This is definitely not the right moment. To err is human. Now is not the right time to warrant any increase, in my view as a caring kai Nadi retiree. Life is a definite struggle for many of us.
Your daily allowances alone spread over a week exceed what the poorest take home in one earthly year spanning 365 days.
The decision to proceed with MPs pay increases lacks compassion. It is gross human error. It cannot be justified under our prevailing difficult times.
Can we first begin with reinstating illegal decreases FNPF pensions?
Many are forced to seek some form of work simply to survive.
The FNPF Act is irrevocable, in my humble view. We were extremely hard done by through a “Decree” of unacceptable sorts.
In my anger and haste, I regret taking lump sum after being subjected to an unacceptable decrease. I regret to this day.
My efforts with the late Manu Korovulavula Snr and the late Talei Burness to address the unwarranted decreases then, met with stiff opposition from the previous administration with legal counsel from then A.G. Q. Bale.
We managed a public meeting at the Suva Civic Auditorium pre 2006 illegal takeover. We had to tread extremely carefully. Spoken words could be dealt with cruel and swift justice then. It was the order of the day. True sadness and much inflicted harm. It was our wise decision then “to pull the plug” in our fight. “Discretion is the better part of valour” is something we learnt.
Please immediately approve increase in minimum wages from $4:00/hour to $6:00/ hour effective July 01, 2024. Review June 01, 2025. This will be a good start to address poverty levels – from the ground level. The poor deserve this without argument.
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