The Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lemauga Hobart Vaai, supports the Government in preferring to consult the private sector before increasing minimum wage.

“While of course our support depends on consultation with our own members, we do support what the Prime Minister is saying,” he said.

“Parts of the private sector are different, so if government is conducting robust and strong consultation practices then that’s good.”

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry is Samoa’s national private sector organisation, which supports businesses with technical assistance, networking and a united voice on business matters. 

Last month, Government approved a salary increase for the public sector in accordance with recommendations by the Remuneration Tribunal. Pension benefits also increased, starting with 10 per cent this month and eventually reaching 30 per cent in a few years. 

Back then, Tuilaepa made similar comments about being careful with private sector salaries.

““We don’t just look at the salaries of government employees but also consider the private sector,” he said.

“If the raise is too much, this will have an impact on the businesses, hence the Government is cautious,” he said.