Your figures aren’t correct

Dear Editor,

Re: The difference between wants and needs 

Apart from your figures which are not quite right (39 hours x $2.30 = $89.7, not $100), I don’t agree with your view that people in Apia have higher needs than those who live in Savai’i and therefore should receive higher wages. 

While individual circumstances are different, generally, the cost of living is pretty similar between the town and the villages. 

Consider this. People in the villages have extended family and cultural obligations and commitments which they can’t avoid. 

Some of the Apia relatives manage to dodge some or all of these commitments.

Many of these commitments and obligations require outlay of cash not fish or taro. It is also difficult at time to convert those taros or the fish into cash. 

I agree though with your point that the minimum wage should be raised to $3 and I am certain those who are in the cash economy provide value for every measly dollar they receive.

 

Vai Autu

Samoa Observer

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