A consultation on the development of a minimum wage policy has commenced and is planned to be completed by February 2024. 

The assignment is spearheaded by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (M.C.I.L.) in partnership with the Government of Australia through the Tautai Governance for Economic Growth Facility. 

A press statement from the M.C.I.L. said the work for the development of the minimum wage policy will guide the review of Samoa’s national minimum wage every two years as required under the Labour and Employment Relations Amendment Act 2023.

The consultations were held at the Development Bank of Samoa (D.B.S.) in Upolu and Jet Over Hotel in Savaii led by M.C.I.L. with support of Consultant Mata’afa Dr. Desmond Amosa. 

The key insights and perspectives were gathered from participants representing employers, workers, civil society organisations and Government. 

M.C.I.L. recognises the complexities of setting a universal minimum wage and had place high importance on taking a consultative and balanced approach with partners. 

A minimum wage policy establishes key parameters at the national level and a procedural guideline which will put into operation the minimum wage review every two years.    

The legislation amendments and national policy aims to address the ad hoc and irregular review of the national minimum wage. 

This in turn will provide more certainty to both businesses and workers and avoid large adjustments to the minimum wage in attempts to maintain purchasing power of consumers.   

According to M.C.I.L. this is important given the high inflation rates post COVID-19. 

The Chief Executive Officer of M.C.I.L., Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling expressed his appreciation on behalf of the Minister for the support of the Government of Australia in enabling the work which will be the first of its kind not only for Samoa but across the Pacific.